Have you ever wondered what a graduate degree could do for your career? Or whether it would be possible to return to the college lifestyle without racking up too much (more) student debt?
The decision to return to higher education after you get a bachelor's degree can be difficult. You may have already entered the work force and are afraid of taking a year off from earning while simultaneously taking out student loans to cover your costs. Those are legitimate fears. After all, the lifetime cost of debt is staggering just with undergraduate student loans. Grad school can be more expensive and harder to finance at low interest rates, particularly if you don't have good credit. (If you're not sure where you stand, you can get two free credit scores, updated monthly, from Credit.com.)
If you are trying to decide if going back to school for another degree makes sense for you, we've got three signs you should consider graduate school.
1. You Want to Change Careers
If you are unhappy not just at your job, but in your field, you may want to consider applying for graduate school. Getting a new degree, though not always necessary to making a career change, can help you on the path toward a new career. As more adults are realizing that they do not want to remain at their first job from college all the way through retirement, higher education can expose you to what's needed for a career in a new field. By returning to school, you can learn the necessary skills, make connections and obtain internships or other work experience.
2. You Love Learning
Maybe you crave new information, miss the educational lifestyle or just want to meet other people similarly hungry for knowledge. Graduate school can be perfect for those who love learning, even outside of a career. The experience can allow you to delve into a topic you are passionate about, give you the opportunity to conduct research or write a thesis or dissertation. Many graduate-level students are even able to teach classes and learn through that experience.
If you're considering returning to school because you love learning, but don't have a specific career ambition, you may want to consider courses at a community college or technical school where you may be able to find classes that have lower per-credit costs and don't require you to take time off from your day job. Also, if your love of learning is the only thing driving you back to school, evaluate whether taking on debt is worth the enjoyment. You could also find educational enrichment at the local library, at free lectures and community events sponsored by a nearby college, or even with free college courses offered online.