Risks and Rewards of Attending Graduate School

Attending graduate school can offer significant rewards but you need to be aware of the risks as well.  Rewards include:

  • The opportunity for in-depth study of a subject you are passionate about.
  • Obtaining training that will advance your career in your chosen field.
  • Developing new knowledge and skills that will broaden your career opportunities.

Risks include:

  • Choosing a program that is not a good fit.
  • Dropping out of a program before completion, and being required to start paying back loans based on the expectation of increased income.
  • Deferred earnings while in graduate school - if you are employed, your pay will be higher than your graduate school stipend.
  • Not being able to find work in your chosen field upon graduation.

You need to weigh all of these factors as you move forward with your application.  Be informed and do your research to make sure you understand what your personal rewards and risks are.