Is getting an EdD actually worth the time and money?
Deciding whether to pursue an advanced degree involves weighing the personal enjoyment of learning against the actual career value, effort required, and alternative options. When people cannot figure out if the credential will pay off or if it is the best use of their money, they are left feeling lost and unsure whether to take the leap.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Doing an EdS program instead to bump salary
- 2Pursuing a PhD in a primary subject area instead
- 3Skipping advanced degrees due to life commitments like kids and mortgages
- 4considering alternative cheaper master's programs
- 5applying to mid-tier, regional, or small local firms
- 6applying for other firms with a different start date
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I'm really lost on what to do and don't have many to turn to since I'm nervous about reaching out to the firm directly.”source ↗
“I'm not sure the masters program after the summer 2027 internship is the best use of my money.”source ↗
“I am currently enrolled in an EdS program to bump my salary. My district pays for my classes (minus misc fee's) and will continue to do so as long as I am employed. I am loving the learning, finding it useful, and am wondering if I should tackle the EdD, but is it worth it? Who knows!?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 32How do I know if getting another pet is a mistake?
- 2Should I still do internships after getting a full-time job offer?
- 2Is it rude to skip a distant wedding when travel and money are tight?
- 2Is it worth becoming an art teacher?
- 4Should I keep going with my stagnating business or quit?
- 5Industrial engineering or accounting?