In the previous module, you responded to a discussion prompt that asked you to identify the relevant costs when trying to decide between three educational options: (i) Complete a BS and get a job, with no intention to return to graduate school, (ii) Pursue an MS full time directly after completing your BS and then get a job, and (iii) Get a job immediately after earning a BS and then pursue an MS part time with tuition reimbursement from your company. I would like you to consider these three scenarios again, but this time compare the alternatives by using the net present value method. Discuss what you learned about the timing issues related to cash flows. Make sure you consider the impact of earning a MS on your starting salary or ability to be promoted. Look at a 10 year time frame for this analysis and discussion. Also note that most engineering graduate students receive a Teaching Assistantship or Research Assistantship the covers tuition and includes a stipend (approximately $2200 per month) if they pursue a MS or PhD degree in engineering.

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Students often ask me: Is it worth it to get a graduate degree? Using the technique of Differential Analysis, identify the relevant costs and benefits that go into this decision. Next, make your case for one of the following three scenarios based on a financial analysis: (i) Get a BS and go to work with no intention of ever pursuing a graduate degree, (ii) Earn a BS, work for a few years, and then get a graduate degree, or (iii) Get a BS and go directly to graduate school and then get a job.