Will an Online Master's Degree Result in a Raise?

Will an Online Master's Degree Result in a Raise?

The following short article is written to provide general advice about online education and degrees, not just information specific to WGU. If you have specific questions about WGU, feel free to inquire online or speak with an enrollment counselor (1-866-225-5948).

In many cases, on average, an employee with a degree will earn more than an employee with only a high school diploma. In addition, someone with a master’s degree will earn more than someone with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree has been dubbed "the new bachelor’s degree"; a bachelor degree stands as the bare minimum for many jobs.

However, in today’s uncertain economic client, even a graduate degree doesn’t guarantee job security or a higher wage. With the cost of college degrees rising, and the uncertainty of employment, evaluate whether or not an online master’s degree is the best financial choice for you.

• Talk to others in your field to determine if a master’s degree will really help advance your career.
• Look not only at current employment statistics, but at future projections. If you’re earning your online master’s degree to enter a new field with good employment opportunities, will those opportunities exist when you graduate?
• Compare your future earnings (not guaranteed) with the money you may lose if you exit the work force to earn your degree. Is it worth it?

Dollar for dollar, online graduate degrees offer the best value. They permit you to continue working while you earn your degree and apply the skills you learn immediately.