on National Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life
Master's Degrees: To Have or Have Not?
by Genevieve M. Blaber
So you're planning on earning a bachelor's degree, but why stop there? Depending on the Job field you're interested in, you could benefit from having a master's degree, which typically requires an additional one to three years of schooling.
Overall, the numbers suggest that the more education you have, the more prosperity you will enjoy in your Career. According to a census from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the average earnings for a high school graduate during his or her lifetime are $1.2 million. Students who receive their bachelor's degrees can expect to rake in $2.1 million, while those who get a master's degree will make almost a half a million more.
Of course, Money won't gravitate towards you just because you have a master's degree. It often takes the right profession and a good amount of ambition to make the most of your education. With some jobs, a master's degree can be icing on the cake, aiding you in getting hired over other job applicants who don't have a master's degree. For others, a master's degree is required in order to enter the profession - like doctors, lawyers, clinical psychologists, audiologists, physical therapists, political scientists, and statisticians. The key is knowing the job market you're entering and keeping up to date on trends in education.
Whether you decide to earn a master's degree to get a better position, or simply for your personal enrichment, always remember that graduate school is within reach. Although tuition costs can run from $5,000 to $40,000 a year, there are still Financial aid options to help you pay. Many schools even offer stipends or free tuition to students who qualify.
Before you decide a bachelor's degree is good enough for you, make sure to do more research into the professions you're interested in. You won't have to make the decision just yet, but it's never to early to consider your options.