Considering Engineering Degree: Pros, Cons, & Finances

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to pursue an engineering degree, weighing the financial implications, job prospects, and personal satisfaction. Participants share their experiences and advice regarding the transition from a current job to further education in engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the financial wisdom of leaving a $50k job to pursue an engineering degree, seeking insights on job prospects post-graduation.
  • Another participant suggests evaluating potential savings and income during school, recommending part-time work to maintain financial stability while studying.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of job satisfaction, advising the original poster to consider part-time classes first to gauge interest in engineering before committing fully.
  • One participant shares their long-term experience of balancing work and education, indicating that part-time study may be a viable option for maintaining financial independence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on whether to pursue full-time education or consider part-time options. There is no consensus on the best approach, as opinions vary based on personal experiences and financial considerations.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors such as current salary, tuition costs, and potential job satisfaction, but do not resolve the complexities of financial planning or career outcomes associated with an engineering degree.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a return to school for an engineering degree, especially those weighing financial implications and job satisfaction against educational pursuits.

yoleven
Messages
78
Reaction score
1
Hello, I would appreciate some advice. I have a degree and a job that pays me $50k. I want to return to school to get an engineering degree.
Tuition would be 5k/yr plus expenses.
Is it financially smart for me to do this?
What are the jobs like after you get a degree?
I am literally a few days from applying but I am a little intimidated.
Any input you could offer me would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How much money can you save each year, BEFORE going to school? Would you earn a salary increase during that time? You should plan on doing some kind of work for income while you are a student - maybe tutoring, or possibly some programming projects for pay. My best guess it that YES, you could sooner or later quit your present job and go to school to study engineering. Just plan and prepare first.
 
I wouldn't give up a good salary to go back to school full time unless you hate your current job. I make a decent salary and have gone back to school part time. Granted it will take a lot longer, I am looking at 14 years, but if you are able to maintain financial independence then part time schooling may be the better option.

I figure that if I spend 14 years to get a degree in law after a BS in physics I will end up with a great early retirement career that I can do from anywhere. There is something appealing about doing patent law from some island in the carribbean.
 
yoleven said:
Hello, I would appreciate some advice. I have a degree and a job that pays me $50k. I want to return to school to get an engineering degree.
Tuition would be 5k/yr plus expenses.
Is it financially smart for me to do this?
What are the jobs like after you get a degree?
I am literally a few days from applying but I am a little intimidated.
Any input you could offer me would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I would say that if you really love what you are doing, then stick with it. If not, and you think you would like Engineering, then give it a shot by taking some part-time classes to see if you like it (and would want to make a career of it). If you find out that you don't like it, then you can always stop taking classes and go back to working full-time.

CS
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K