Is college worth it? In this episode, I sit down with Amber Gilsdorf, an Independent Educational Consultant at Estrella Consulting, to unpack this complex and timely question. We explore how families can evaluate the true return on investment (ROI) of college, what metrics matter most, and why personal values and readiness play a major role in long-term success.
We also talk about the importance of looking beyond rankings and sticker prices to focus on outcomes—both tangible and intangible. Amber shares useful tools and frameworks for measuring success, and we reflect on how to support students in choosing the path that’s right for them.
As a career coach, I help students and recent grads explore career options, gain clarity, and build career readiness. Whether your student is college-bound, considering alternatives, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful guidance.
About Amber Gilsdorf
Amber Gilsdorf joined the Estrela team in 2016 with a nine-year background as a school counselor at Granville High School, one of the top-performing public schools in Ohio. During her time as a school counselor, Amber conducted countless college planning meetings with families and students, implemented a countywide college fair, and delighted in each student’s joy at being accepted! Amber earned her College Counseling Certificate from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2014, which served to deepen her love of guiding families and students through the college search and application process.
Episode Highlights
- Amber’s background as a high school counselor and educational consultant
- Why ROI for college is so hard to measure—and why it matters
- The challenges colleges face in reporting outcomes
- How to find and interpret data from institutional research and career centers
- The difference between short-term and long-term ROI (e.g., trade school vs. bachelor’s degree)
- Why major choice matters—and why it doesn’t always tell the whole story
- The importance of self-awareness before selecting a college
- Tangible and intangible benefits of a college experience
- How families and students can research outcomes with tools like the College Scorecard
- Thinking of parents and colleges as investors in a student’s success
- Alternatives to college and how readiness—not just academics—plays a role in student success
Links and References
Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce
College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
The Price You Pay for College by Ron Lieber