Is Graduate School Really Worth It? Do Employers Care About Someone Having A Masters vs. A Bachelors?

Question

I was recently accepted and will be starting Grad. school full time (maybe) in the Fall. I am having serious doubts at the moment because I keep thinking about the fact that I am going to have to dedicate two more years to school. I know that education is worth it; however, would one degree suffice? Wouldn't you be able to get just about the same job with a Bachelors as you would with a Masters? Do employers really care if you have a Masters degree, or do they care more about experience? I am elated at being accepted into graduate school; however, my doubts stem from the financial burden, and the burden of knowing that I am committing more of my life to being in school, versus on a full time job like I know I probably should be. What do you think?

Answer 1

Simple fact: more education usually means more pay.

The median income in 2006 for people with just a highschool diploma: $30,940
Bachelor's degree: $50,024
Master's degree: $59,280

Unemployment rates in 2006 for people with just a highschool diploma: 4.3%
Bachelor's degree: 2.3%
Master's degree: 1.7%

Based on those numbers, yes, it's worth it.

Answer 2

It totally depends on what you are going to school for and what you want to do afterward. If you want to work as an architect in a big firm, having a bachelors degree will get you in the door, if you want to advance swiftly a masters will help you. Most careers require "Continuing Education", meaning that while you look good on paper to have a masters before you apply, you will still need to get more "Learning" to be able to keep your job. IMO, go, get a job or career, work for a year then get you masters.

Answer 3

Would you people give all this debate about getting Master's Degrees give it a rest?

Look, a HUNDRED years ago, Andrew Carnegie was asked the secret of his success (and he was a millionaire back when that REALLY meant something) and he replied "I hire people who are smarter than I am."

Think about it. Maybe the degree isn't worth it. Maybe just open your own business and hire someone with a Master's Degree.