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Graduate What is the Payoff for Going Back to School?

June 2011

A graduate degree can be the ticket to a better career or the stepping stone to advancement in your current job. But by the time you factor in lost income (or the stress of keeping a job and going to night school) and the inevitable student loans, is it really worth it? We can't answer the stress question, but this calculator can help you weigh the actual costs versus the fiscal benefits. Note that the help screens emphasize stats for business and law students.

CURRENT POSITION
Gross Salary $
Average annual raise %
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Will you keep your current position while going to school?
Number of years of school
Annual tuition and school-related expenses $
Annual scholarship/tuition reimbursement $
Annual summer internship/other salary $
STUDENT LOANS
Total loans for which interest starts
accumulating right away		 $
Interest rate %
Total loans for which interest starts
accumulating after graduation		 $
Interest rate %
AFTER GRADUATION
Expected salary first year after graduation $
Expected average annual raise %
Expected one-time signing bonus $
Years to retirement


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