5 Ways to Measure the True ROI of a Graduate Degree

Topics: Financial Aid Tips, Application & Admissions Tips Advice

Published on: 3/6/19 6:49 AM

5 Ways to Measure the True ROI of a Graduate Degree

Going back to school and earning a graduate degree is an investment — plain and simple.

In today’s unpredictable and dynamic job market, deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree is understandably a difficult one. You want to be certain that the time and money you’ll put into obtaining your degree will actually be worth it in the long run.

Fortunately for you, during this time of decision making, there’s ample evidence to suggest that going to graduate school is a smart investment for your professional and personal future.

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1. LONG-TERM JOB SATISFACTION:

Pursuing a graduate degree allows you to learn more in depth about a field you’re interested in, meaning that you will be well-equipped to land your dream job after you graduate. For example, a doctorate in physical therapy can enable you to open your own practice, and a master’s in business and organizational leadership will help you to become the workplace leader you’ve always known you were capable of being.

Studying a field that is meaningful to you in order to pursue an interesting and dynamic career is incredibly rewarding, and it’s worth noting that being passionate about your job can also lead to increased professional success.

2. INcreased Chance of Promotions:

Since having a bachelor’s degree is now the accepted standard for almost all jobs, having an graduate degree on your resume will give you the much-needed competitive edge needed to beat out the competition.

According to Forbes, graduate degrees have gained increased significance in recent years, and a full 20 percent of employers now prefer or require that employees possess a graduate degree.

It’s also worth noting that the unemployment rate for those with a graduate-level education is nearly half the general unemployment rate in the U.S.

3. High Salary Probability:

When thinking about returning to school to get a graduate degree, money is always one of the most significant factors. Financially, pursuing a graduate degree is a smart decision. On average, holders of an advanced degree earn about 30 percent more than those who have only an undergraduate degree.

In certain professions, the wage premium is even higher. Pursuing a master’s degree in education is a notably smart choice, particularly if you intend to work in education administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median annual wage for education administrators with a master’s degree is a full 44 percent higher than it is for those who have only a bachelor’s degree!

4. career flexibility:

In addition to making you a top contender for many coveted positions, obtaining a grad degree can also strengthen your knowledge and diversify your skills, thereby enabling you to take your career in a new and exciting direction.

If you’re an experienced teacher who wants to move into a management role as a principal or superintendent, a graduate degree in education can give you the background knowledge you need in order to make that transition.

5. Learning Valuable Skills:

In today’s economy, employees who possess specialized skills and knowledge have a definite advantage in the job market. Although a master’s in accounting is fairly common, the emphasis on forensics and fraud detection that Neumann University offers will teach you specific skills that are more difficult for employers to come by.

If you have any questions about which graduate degree might be a good fit for you, contact us at Neumann University. We’d love to help you plan your future career!

Explore our digital resource page, Types of Graduate Buisiness Degrees — Which One is Right for You?

Explore the Digital Resource

WRITTEN BY:
Kathryn LeConey

 Kathryn LeConey

About The Author: Kathryn LeConey, MS is the Assistant Director of Adult and Graduate Programs at Neumann University. She is a Delaware County native and has worked in Higher Education for five years. As a Graduate Enrollment Management professional, she is passionate about student success and the role that a Graduate education plays in the self-actualization of students.

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