Why Earning a Graduate Degree is Worth It

Considering earning a graduate degree? Wondering if it’s worth the time and effort? Whether you are looking to advance your career, achieve a boost in your education, expand your knowledge, or all of the above, pursuing a graduate degree can be the next crucial step in finding your purpose.

Pay Off

Let’s start with the practical benefits. Many are curious if the monetary investment pays off in the end. Statistically, the higher the degree, the higher the salary. According to BankRate.com, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn 66% more per week than high school graduates; and those with master’s degrees earn 53% more than those with just bachelor’s degrees. Also, as reported by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), business programs are considered one of the most lucrative graduate degrees.

Depending on your career path, a graduate degree could make you more likely to be hired in a competitive job market. With more and more students earning bachelor’s degrees, a graduate degree can set you apart from the competition. A Career Builder survey reports almost a third of employers have increased educational requirements of their employees. Now more than ever, attaining a graduate degree is a practical and valuable asset to have in the current job pool.

When asked if the investment of time and money was worth earning a graduate degree, UNW MDiv graduate, Sage B., answered, “Definitely! The combination of my degree and the skills I gained while completing it opened doors for a job that was beyond my dreams!  I underestimated how many doors would open for me upon completing my master’s degree. It made me a better candidate for jobs and prepared me for leadership.”

Promotion

Graduate degrees can also advance your current career. Continuing your education can lead to increased knowledge, new skills, improved skills, and a renewed motivation to succeed. According to Niche.com, pursuing a graduate degree displays that you have the drive to expand your knowledge and progress in your field, which can keep you competitive for the duration of your career. Pursuing a graduate program that aligns with your current job can show dedication to your field, something that could possibly be awarded with pay raises and/or promotions.

According to a UNW survey, multiple former graduate students reported earning promotions after completing their degree. MOL graduate, Aaron H., remarks, “My MOL [degree] gave me great leverage to do better at work that led to better team performance and promotions.”

Purpose

Pursuing an advanced degree can also help you find your purpose. Pay raises & promotions are great positives, but discovering a deeper meaning in your studies is priceless. At UNW, our faith in Christ is at the center of everything we do. Our graduate courses are designed to help students integrate their faith with a field related to their program.

UNW’s graduate programs offer students a unique opportunity to progress professionally, personally, and spiritually. According to a recent survey of UNW grad students, an overwhelming majority agreed that their time at UNW prepared them well to advance their careers, helped them discover their individual strengths, and helped grow their relationship with God.

Nicole B., a UNW MATS grad, explains, “I was pursuing degrees in theological studies . . . not only could I apply [my studies] to my own faith journey and how I raised my daughter, but also in practical ministry & discipleship. I am going back to work for the first time in 5 years in Kentucky to work for a church full-time.” Nicole also praised the “quality teachers” and “well-versed peers” that encouraged her in her studies and pushed her to challenge herself.

Through Christ-centered learning, engaged professors, and a close-knit community, UNW students learn perseverance, build resilience, and deepen their relationship with God. Our students are fully equipped to face workplace challenges, as well as personal challenges. Students feel empowered to thrive academically, professionally, and spiritually with a renewed sense of purpose.

Continuing your education is about more than just a degree. It is about pushing yourself to improve in different aspects of your life. Whether your aspirations are to advance your career, gain knowledge, or progress spiritually, a graduate degree can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. As explained by UNW graduates, the benefits of gaining a graduate degree extend into various areas of life, cultivating not only professional advancement, but also faith and purpose. There may be challenges along the way, but the end results will be worth it.

Ready to discover your purpose? See how a graduate degree from UNW can benefit you.