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.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Doing an EdS program instead to bump salaryDid this help you?
- 2Pursuing a PhD in a primary subject area insteadDid this help you?
- 3Skipping advanced degrees due to life commitments like kids and mortgagesDid this help you?
- 4considering alternative cheaper master's programsDid this help you?
- 5applying to mid-tier, regional, or small local firmsDid this help you?
- 6applying for other firms with a different start dateDid this help you?
- 7consulting or industry experience instead of extended schoolingDid this help you?
- 8consulting Claude or online forums for application guidanceDid this help you?
- 9Waiting 3 to 5 years into a career before getting the degreeDid this help you?
- 10Gaining professional experience firstDid this help you?
- 11Taking a gap year to work and stack cash before returning to schoolDid this help you?
- 12Getting an entry-level job first and figuring out the extra credits laterDid this help you?
- 13Taking community college courses or cheap online programs to fulfill licensing hour requirementsDid this help you?
- 14Commission or start working first and use military or employer tuition assistance to pay for a master's laterDid this help you?
- 15Work part-time while pursuing a master's degree during the job/commission application waiting periodDid this help you?
- 16Pay down undergraduate loans before taking on new tuition debtDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, 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 could use some perspective on a decision I’m stuck on.”source ↗
“I’m not sure it’s the right move, and I’m torn between two paths:”source ↗
“I have about $20k in undergrad loans and want to knock out a good chunk before taking on anything new.”source ↗
“I’m in my senior year and to say i’m burnt out is an understatement. I mentally don’t think I can do another year and a half of school beyond graduation.”source ↗
“My issue now is, I’ve never had an internship and it seems like most of the recruiters who recruit out of my school would probably side eye me for not getting the masters.”source ↗
“Not to mention, my housing situation isn’t the best rn so it’s very important for me to go out and start making money as soon as possible.”source ↗
“This has been weighing on me a lot so I appreciate the advice. It sounds dumb but i never considered the fact that I could just come back and finish another time.”source ↗
“I honestly don't have any clue of where to start. I am early stage accountant!”source ↗
“So is it worth giving it a short? I don't plan to be a professor 100% in future, I may if I like it when I try, or may not as well! But what career opportunities would I be having after doing my PHD?”source ↗
“Sometimes I wonder if it's worth pursuing a Masters”source ↗
“Honestly, I'm just not feeling it.”source ↗
“I get that it is useful to have a Master, but does it have worth and value in a time where it seems like the Education field in the US is getting screwed over?”source ↗
“I feel stuck on what to do about this.”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 ↗