The video, shared by Instagram page @ekta.explains, features a 22-year-old woman, Ekta, who speaks about taking a ₹40 lakh education loan to pursue her master’s degree at INSEAD at the age of 20. Her reflections on the value of her education have sparked mixed reactions online, with many debating whether financial returns should be the primary measure of higher education’s worth.
The loan behind the conversation
In the clip, Ekta explains that one of the most common questions she receives is about ROI and how she plans to repay her education loan.
“Everyone asks me about the ROI, and here’s what I tell them,” she says in the video.
She emphasizes that while money matters, studying at a reputed global institution opens doors that extend beyond immediate financial calculations. According to her, the opportunities that come with such education ultimately make repayment manageable over time.
Beyond money: networks and experiences
Ekta highlights that her experience at an international business school has given her access to a diverse global community.
“I now have friends in 33 different countries and access to an alumni network of over 20,000 people working in top companies across the world,” she says.
She describes these connections as one of the most valuable outcomes of her education, arguing that the relationships and exposure gained during her program hold long-term significance that cannot be quantified in monetary terms alone.
‘This is my return on investment’
The 22-year-old further explains that her idea of ROI extends beyond income or loan repayment.
She reflects on the personal and professional experiences she has gained at a young age, stating, “I have had experiences at 22 that most people don’t have even at 40. And most importantly, I’ve made friends for life. This is my return on investment.”
Summing up her perspective, she adds the line that has since become the central takeaway from the video: “Your network is genuinely your net worth.”
Mixed reactions online
As the video spread across social media platforms, it sparked a wide range of responses. Many users agreed with her emphasis on networking, supporting the idea that connections often play a crucial role in shaping career opportunities.
One user commented, “Couldn’t agree more; network = net worth.”
However, others were more skeptical, questioning whether networking benefits alone justify taking on a large education loan. Some users raised concerns about financial pressure and repayment realities, asking how such investments translate into stable income and long-term financial security.
A broader debate on education ROI
The viral clip has once again highlighted a growing debate among students and professionals: whether the value of higher education—especially abroad—should be measured primarily in financial returns or in broader personal and professional outcomes such as exposure, experience, and global networks.
As discussions continue online, the conversation reflects a larger shift in how younger generations view education—not just as a pathway to employment, but as a long-term investment in opportunities, relationships, and life experiences.
