The bachelor’s degree: it’s what it’s all about for us as students right now, whether we dream of going straight to work after graduation or on to further schooling–but is it enough?
According to The New York Times, nearly two out of every 25 people older than 25 have a master’s degree, calling it the “new bachelor’s.” And the numbers are increasing…
Why? Well, aside from the worries of post-graduate life, the competitive job market continues to devalue overqualified students looking for work with lower wages than once expected. A bachelor’s degree no longer means continuous employment with an increasing salary. According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, those with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn $2.1 million throughout their adult working lifetime while those with master’s degree can expect to earn $2.5 million. It may not seem like a huge difference, but with more students entering graduate and professional schools, the competition grows fiercer.
So what hope is left for us? Well, remember: while the market may look bleak, it all comes down to the individual and his or her determination. For now, let’s just focus on making it through these four years.
