Is going back to college worth it?

**Mamaof2rugrats** · 09-01-2010, 04:59 PM

I'm seriously considering going back to college. I'm looking into several colleges that offer distance learning ( accredited and on the Dept of Ed site, already checked into that) degrees online. I originally went to school for law enforcement and do not plan on going back for that. I'm looking into Early Childhood Ed. I've already taken several classes on the topic and have worked in daycare centers on and off for years. The pay typically isn't much more if you have a degree but getting a job in the field would probably easier. My DF is getting stationed out of Missouri in a year and a half so I'm thinking during this year and a half I have before a new army move I should go ahead and go back to school. I currently run a daycare center out of my home and have a 4 year old at home so going to a brick and morter school isn't really possible at the moment. Do yall think it would be worth the money? I have bills pd off ( car,mortgage,most debt) and some saved as well. What do yall think? Thanks!!!

**shoiji** · 09-01-2010, 05:10 PM

If this is something that you can definately pay for without going into deep debt I would say go ahead.

You never know what opportunities may be presented to you in the future where having a degree would be of benefit. Try to picture youself a couple of years from now. Where do you see yourself or what would you like to be doing?

**Contrary Housewife** · 09-01-2010, 05:14 PM

It's hard to say what the job market will be like in 18 mos. You say a degree doesn't get you more pay. If it was me, I'd be looking for something that would get me a higher paying job in a more promising field.

**Pianolady** · 09-01-2010, 05:32 PM

I'm on the fence on this one. If it requires debt spending for a degree that won't get you a higher wage...probably not worth it. It may be worth it for personal satisfaction (I have a "personal satisfaction" degree! lol). My 2nd degree (my back to school adventure) didn't help $ drastically, but did raise my pay some. I'm a piano teacher, so I set my own pay, the degrees helped me justify my higher rates and probably helped me stay "full" during a tough economy (aka actually employed). I'm thankful to be able to make a living teaching.

Although the degree may not make you a bunch of additional $, it may make you more marketable, even if you continue to be self employed. Saddled in debt to get the degree though, would not be a good idea.

**Keildra** · 09-01-2010, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Pianolady

I'm on the fence on this one. If it requires debt spending for a degree that won't get you a higher wage...probably not worth it. It may be worth it for personal satisfaction (I have a "personal satisfaction" degree! lol). My 2nd degree (my back to school adventure) didn't help $ drastically, but did raise my pay some. I'm a piano teacher, so I set my own pay, the degrees helped me justify my higher rates and probably helped me stay "full" during a tough economy (aka actually employed). I'm thankful to be able to make a living teaching.

Although the degree may not make you a bunch of additional $, it may make you more marketable, even if you continue to be self employed. Saddled in debt to get the degree though, would not be a good idea.

I agree with this.