Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Obtaining a master’s degree used to be seen as a passage of the elite. For many, it was out of reach and considered merely a pipe dream. The pathway to getting a master’s degree once required many sacrifices — whether it be putting your career on hold, taking out large loans, or relocating your family. 

But this isn’t the case anymore. Whether you’re an undergraduate student, a stay-at-home mom, or a full-time working professional, our online master’s degree programs are designed with you in mind. There are several reasons why getting a graduate degree is a good idea — perhaps now more than ever! Read on for some compelling motivations to take into consideration.

One main benefit of pursuing a master’s degree is increased pay. You’ve already earned one college degree, and you know that it requires hard work and dedication. You’ve proven that you have what it takes to excel. So what’s a few more years of papers and assignments when it means a substantial salary increase for years to come? You may have already assumed this without being told, but have you actually seen the numbers that support it? According to the National Center for Education Statistics in 2022, the median salary of employees with a master’s degree is 18% higher than that of employees with only a bachelor’s degree.

What would you do with an 18% salary increase? 

Even though a pay increase is certainly enticing, maybe you are just looking for upward mobility. You may be seeking more responsibility, a management position, and strategic planning. If so, a master’s degree is a great way to get there! Nonprofit Management graduate Dagmar Porcelli can vouch that a graduate degree can take you places you never thought possible. 

What position do you wish you were qualified to fill?

Maybe there isn’t a particular position you are looking to move into. Maybe it’s the exact opposite, and you just want to perform better in the role you are in now! If this is so, find a niche graduate degree that will enhance your credibility. If you’re a business leader in a specialized field, check out our MBA concentrations. If you desire to become a certified counselor with CACREP accreditation, look into our master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Or, if you’re an athletic director, up your game by completing a master’s degree in athletic administration. After receiving this training to strengthen your everyday work, you could become a trusted voice and resource in your field.

What do you want to be an expert in?

The ultimate goal of any degree is to get a job. When employers see a master’s degree, it automatically enhances your credibility and distinguishes your expertise from your competitors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2.2% of those with a master’s degree are unemployed.

Are you marketable in the workforce during a job search?

One of the most valuable and powerful tools in your career is who you know. A master’s degree will open you up to an entirely new network of people who are in your industry. Even with an online master’s degree, you gain exposure to a wealth of new connections through the virtual classroom. Most programs follow a cohort model, allowing relationships to be made between students as you move through the program. Beyond your peers, you’ll also gain access to a wealth of professional insight and connections through instructors whose experience and industry ties can help you grow. Do you have a professional mentor?

Besides the practical and pragmatic reasons for pursuing a master’s degree, learning for its own sake is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do. As they say, knowledge is power. If you really love a particular subject, or just love to learn in general, a master’s degree is a great way to tap into those passions and expand your mind. 

What would you love to learn more about?

Maybe as you’ve read through these reasons for pursuing a master’s degree, you admit that one or more of the reasons have resonated with you, and you could use help taking the next step. Still, the cost upfront just doesn’t seem worth the extra effort. Here’s the good news — your master’s degree doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! If you are an undergraduate student at Grace, you can use your undergraduate scholarships toward your master’s degree through our accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree program. If you’ve already graduated with a bachelor’s degree, there is good news for you, too! Master’s degrees can be made affordable through employer tuition reimbursement or local scholarships.

So, what’s holding you back?

An advanced Christian degree is in your reach! Learn more about the graduate programs we offer.

Why Should I Get a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Read Austin Shaner’s story in Nonprofit Management.