One thing that I think doesn't get enough attention in these types of discussions -- not just this article about ROI, but also earnings disparities between (e.g.) genders and other groups -- is that income isn't the only measure of happiness.
Many people would take less money to do a job they enjoyed more. My older sister "gave up" a sales "career" to become a fiction writer. It's enough to pay the bills, but pays less than she could have had at a corporate job. She got an English degree and couldn't be happier with her choice.
My younger sister got a Theater degree and is a "struggling actress". Same deal: she's happy with her choice.
ROI is important for some aspects of the discussion. But it is not the whole story.
Many people would take less money to do a job they enjoyed more. My older sister "gave up" a sales "career" to become a fiction writer. It's enough to pay the bills, but pays less than she could have had at a corporate job. She got an English degree and couldn't be happier with her choice.
My younger sister got a Theater degree and is a "struggling actress". Same deal: she's happy with her choice.
ROI is important for some aspects of the discussion. But it is not the whole story.