Aug 27 2008
Priceless.
I have spent over $40,000 in the last year. Was it worth it?
I did not buy a car. I did not make a down payment on a house. I attended DePaul University for my Masters Degree, and yes – it was well worth it.
Having Bachelors is commonplace in the work field. Being a college graduate no longer makes you stand out or special. It’s the norm, its expected. It’s easier than ever to start your advanced degree. Classes are now available online, at night, from home, and more colleges are creating flexible programs for working adults and parents.
US News reports that today’s grad student typically starts an advanced-degree program long after the traditional undergraduate-to-graduate student has finished. Nearly half of all grad students enroll between ages 24 and 35, according to the Council of Graduate Schools; one-quarter start at age 36 or older. Most have real-world work experience. About a third are raising children. This is the new face of graduate school.
I personally made the decision to continue my education last year. I was working a job un-related to my undergrad degree, unhappy and I wanted to change the path I was on. I enrolled in a Master’s program. I took out loans, bought books and DePaul sweatshirt. I was ready.
There are many self-made billionaires who invest at 23 years old in the stock market or create a website in a dorm room that happens to be purchased by Microsoft. For the rest of us, dedicating time to go for an upper graduate degree (Masters or Doctorate) is a guaranteed way to up your salary. You can see for yourself on www.salary.com. For example, a web producer in Chicago, IL with a Bachelors degree will earn between $44,000 – $52,000 annually. With a Master’s degree that same web producer in Chicago, IL will earn between $60,000 – $78,000 annually.
There is more to life than money. Pursuing my advanced degree has helped me gain experience and expand my education. The entire experience has been (near) priceless. I feel well rounded, more marketable for a new job, and able to speak my ideas and thoughts clearly. These skills are life long and only truly refined through education.
Now that I am applying for degree conferral and wrapping up my program in the fall of 2008, I am confident that my degree will help me in my current job (that I got in part thanks to the Masters program) and benefit me in future positions as well.
There are many reasons to obtain a higher education: to change your career, obtain a higher salary, or to simply gain more knowledge. I believe that all of those reasons are worth the time and $40,000.00.
