Choosing to further your education is a decision that should be based purely on the desire for increased knowledge, training and individual growth. An education is so much more than book learning; it teaches you how to think and formulate information. From a global perspective, it seems incredibly disheartening that a student in the U.S. would not further their education when as a country we are graduating far less students, particularly in the sciences and engineering, than other industrialized countries. Given the escalating costs of a college education, debt is certainly a valid concern. However, not all post-graduate work will add to a student’s debt. Many graduate programs offer assistance in the form of teaching and research fellowships. These are jobs within the university specifically for graduate students that will often pay all of the costs associated with the program you are enrolled in as well as your living expenses. Many employers have generous education reimbursement programs so that their employees can pursue advanced degrees. It is in their best interest to do this because an educated employee is a more valuable employee. In many cases finding money to fund a graduate degree is far easier than finding money to fund an undergraduate degree. The money that is available for undergraduate degrees is most often in the form of loans which add to the students debt load. The money available for graduate degrees is most often in the form of fellowships, jobs or employer reimbursement which do not add to an existing debt load. Do not underestimate the value of an education — it truly is priceless.

Graduates from college are starting their careers with large debts from college tuition expenses. Having a daughter in college and two more not far behind, I truly understand the costs of education. There are ways that students can more wisely get educated and save money. Community Colleges are a great example of how they can save. The tuition rate at Community Colleges is significantly less than that of fouryear schools and you get a great education. Today, if you plan properly, you can make sure that all your classes transfer from the Community College to your four-year school. As an adjunct faculty member of Mount Saint Mary’s University, I know the importance of finishing a four-year degree. Your goal should be completing your degree as inexpensively as possible. Going to the Community College first and taking advantage of the many scholarships available to students, you can minimize your costs. For those that do not, starting their careers deeply in debt will be a major burden. It is true that today’s starting salaries make it tough for recent college graduates to pay down that debt and establish themselves. Going on to graduate school is also tough for those that have too much debt. Hopefully, your employer will help pay for further education!

Remember, there is good debt and there is bad debt. Purchase of a home, starting a viable business and investing in your education are the most prevalent examples of good debt in my opinion. However, you should ask yourself (and be brutally honest with your answer), do you want this education or do you need this education? If it will really help you and those you touch in your professional life, then by all means pursue it. If you are seeking the education to hide behind, then the question of debt takes on a whole new meaning. What I mean by that is, you can know everything in the world but if you don't use it what good does it do? So, if it’s going to lead to promotions and a higher income then the return on investment would be acceptable. I’ll close by reminding you that employers often provide financial support for employees who pursue secondary education. You may want to check that out.