Is Graduate School Worth It?

By Kara Bailey
Spectrum Staff Writer

Everyone talks about college after high school, but no one ever talks about college, after college. Teenagers are often encouraged to go to college, even if they have no idea what career field they would like to work in. They say that the hard work of continuing their education will “pay-off” or be worth it in the long run. Because of this many students straight out of high school either drop out of college to work or take care of their family or graduate with degrees that they never use. They enter career paths that have nothing to do with the subject that their degree is in.

In 2013, only 27% of college graduates worked in a career field closely related to their degree, according to a report in The Washington Post. The report also stated that 82% of college students said they believe that getting their bachelor’s degree was a good idea.

“Going to college will help to prepare me for my field,” said Donell Pettus, a freshman at Bowie State University. “Since I am majoring in communications and I want to be a broadcaster, I will be better able to enter my field of study straight out of college.”

On the flip side 62% of college graduates work in positions were having a college degree is necessary. It is important to understand that this trend happens with degrees of all types but is especially true in undergraduate degrees.

In graduate school many of the students are more experienced and mature so they choose subjects that are more relatable, interesting and practical. They have already completed their bachelor’s degree so they not only understand the structure of a college education but have experience learning different subjects and can decipher which they are or are not interested in.        According to the 2019 United States Census, 13.1% of Americans have earned their master’s degrees or doctorates. These students said they believe that the additional education allows for a higher potential salary, broader range of job opportunities and more control over what they will do in their career.

Graduate school is not for everyone. Completing an undergraduate degree gives potential graduate students greater insight into the subject that they want to study, and whether graduate school is the right pathway.

Christina Lucas, a social worker with Baltimore City Public Schools, recommends that students who are considering graduate school to just “go for it, pace yourself and create a healthy balance between schools and your personal life.” She has a master’s degree in social work and is considering going back to college to receive her master’s degree in family counseling.

Remember, an education doesn’t make you the smartest in the room, but the experience that comes with it just might.