Earning a degree, where to stop?
By dorthakay08
@dorthakay08 (68)
United States
January 8, 2011 8:55am CST
I was thinking the other day about my studies. I am currently an online student working towards a degree in psychology. Of course I plan on continuing for a bachelors degree in psychology after my associates. But it is A LOT of MONEY so I was thinking would it be worth it the way the economy is? Would it be smarter to switch to another degree after getting my associates. Meaning, have two associates degrees in two different fields? In todays economy it can be hard to get a job or start a career. I fear that all my hard work and money spent might not pay off when I would like for it to.
What are your thoughts/opinions?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
9 Jan 11
You have good reason to be concerned, as graduates are having trouble finding jobs these days. It really depends on what you want to do. Are you taking psychology because want to become a psychologist? In that case you will need a lot more schooling. Or is psychology just something that you chose because you felt you had to choose something? If you are going to be a psychologist then it is probably worth it, if not then perhaps not. Have you considered going to a local community college rather than getting your associates on line? Chances are the community college will be a lot cheaper then the online schools.
If I were you I would look in to the community college option. Also if you choose to go in to a different major you might want to consider doing it part time while you work full time so you can pay as you go rather than accumulating loans. I would also look in to grants and scholarships. Which is something a counselor at a community college could help you with. You would be surprised at all the unused scholarships there are at community colleges that nobody ever asks about.
Your goal should be to get as much education as you can while accumulating as little or no debt as you can.
Personally I worked all through college. I have two associates degrees and two specialized certificates and had 0 debt when graduating, sometimes my parents helped sometimes they didn't but I paid for most of it myself. Same for my husband he has an Bachelor's degree and aside from $400 he had to pay his brother back he had no debt either. He did work study at school, got financial aid, scholarships and got a couple of small loans from family members and me.
