Grad School or not?

Question

Hey all. So I asked this question earlier but only got one response. I would really appreciate people's input. Thanks!

ok. So I am 19 yrs old and will be graduating from the University of Colorado this Spring. My boyfriend plans on moving to Daytona Beach to attend Embry-Riddle aeronautical university. (He was originally going to go to the Arizona school, but changed his mind.)

Anyway, we are very serious and have been discussing marriage and things. He says he wants to have kids soon, but I am nowhere near ready for that. Both of our moms were homemakers, My mom quit her job as a doctor to stay at home with me, and his mom did the same (not sure what she did though). I would love to be a stay at home mom if we can afford to, but that wouldn't happen for another 5-7 yrs or so.

So Here's my question: If I plan on staying home eventually is grad school (and maybe law school, i haven't decided on that one yet) a good investment?

Oh, My father is willing to pay tuition for my grad and/or law studies, and I would really like to continue my education but is this a good idea? And if so is UCF a good school?

And oh, I forgot to mention that UCF-Daytona Beach is about 1.5 miles away from the school my boyfriend wants to attend.

Another concern I have is if he doesn't get in to this school that he has his heart set on. His grades aren't spectacular because he works a lot and he would have to pay to go to this expensive school. Whereas I have a 4.0 GPA but don't work and wouldn't have to pay for my education.....

I have so many questions...so confused!!!

Thanks in advance everyone!

Answer 1

With a brain and grades like yours, and a father willing to pay to further your education I can't think of any reason not to go to graduate school. It is an investment in your future that will always benefit you whether or not you "actually" use your degree for a number of years.

There are so many unforeseen events in life that as you have the ability and capacity to get a higher degree you should go for it. You never know what circumstances might arise where you might have to be primary breadwinner. Life would be much easier if you have higher earning potential.

Also, from a practical perspective, you aren't at a point of wanting children (yet - very wise) so now is an ideal chance to improve yourself and continue your own development.

Plus if your boyfriend / possible future husband is in school then he will be busy and you might be lonely if you don't have a similar workload.

Go to school.

Best of luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

As far as I can tell, you are very bright and graduating from a good university at a time in your life when most people are just starting college. You have a boyfriend who wants to get married and have kids soon. He isn't such a good student, and has goals, but may not have the record to do it. What isn't clear to me is if he is graduating from college too and looking at Embry-Riddle for graduate school, or if that would be his college education, were he to get in.

You have a minimum of 46 years ahead of you in your work life right now, if you were to retire at 65 (many people these days retire much later). Even if you were to become a stay-at-home mom for the entire time your children were at home, that would account for less than half of that time (let's say you have two or three kids, two years apart, and they stay home until they are 18).

My recommendation would be for grad school, even though I'm not all that impressed with UCF-Daytona. There are several reasons for this. First of all, even with being a stay-at-home mom, you have lots of time before and after in which to practice a profession. It might as well be something interesting. Secondly, while I am sure that you care about your boyfriend and he cares about you, there are no guarantees in life. You could find yourself on your own with an education that is less than that for which you are qualified at some time. Even if the marriage lasts 100 years, there may be times when he is ill or incapacitated, and you would need to work. It would help if that work were something for which you could earn a good salary.

You need to plan for the worst possible circumstances, not the best. He may be able to support you in luxury for the rest of your life, but you can't make that assumption.

Answer 3

Graduate school is definitely a good investment regardless of whether or not you plan on staying home.

The simple reason: what if you two DON'T stay together? You will regret not jumping at the opportunity to get an advanced degree when you have your father ready to pay for it. You've got the ability, the desire, and the means to make it through and further your education. Thousands would gladly accept this chance, don't throw away your potential because of what MIGHT happen with your boyfriend.

I know it's not very optimistic for your current relationship to think about it this way, but **** happens and you never know what tomorrow will bring.

In short, do whatever you would do without him in the picture. Decide on a career path that you can be happy with first. Then I would suggest you two apply to a bunch of schools in the same area, and with luck it will work out. My brother and his girlfriend (now wife) did that, and they're getting their doctorates together.

Answer 4

I graduated from undergrad and knew i needed to get a masters in some unspecified time sooner or later. i needed to look ahead to awhile rather i did not understand what i needed to get it in. 5 years later I even have began grad college. i don't think of i could be doing the main i'm if not for how my existence went after graduating. circulate once you recognize. Grad college takes up countless time so which you are going to be able to desire to be waiting to earnings.

Answer 5

I have very little respect for women who get bachelor's or (and especially) graduate degrees and then turn around, have kids and stay out of the work force. There are so few women out there in high level positions!

There is no reason why you can't have kids AND work--you don't HAVE to be a home maker. If your future husband is making major $$ (I assume he will be given that he is going to aeronautical school) and YOU are also making major $$, you can afford quality child care.

It's your decision but you asked my opinion, so there it is.