Do big-name colleges always produce the biggest post-graduate paychecks? Here's the surprising truth. : Ivy League grads don't always make the most money when they stay in the workforce. That blows away the conventional wisdom that a top-tier school guarantees you a top-notch lifetime income. It's often smaller and virtually unknown colleges that provide the best return on investment. It's even better if you can obtain a debt-free degree from them. Not only do the best colleges provide generous financial aid -- you won't need loans to graduate -- they offer the best return on investment.