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You may not know that yours truly has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Poetry). My family wasn’t convinced the program was going to pay off career-wise, but I was determined. And I am glad I did it (despite racking up some substantial debt). Was an MFA going to pay off financially? Not really in my case, but it was worth it to me for other reasons. However, I think it is important for anyone considering grad school to weigh the costs with your reasons for going. A few questions to ask yourself:

1.  Am I considering grad school because I don’t know what else to do? I have noticed that this is common. The danger is that youll wake up 3 to 5 years from now with more debt, less career experience, and still not be sure what to do. 2. How much will it cost and what will my return be? Even if financial return isn’t your main concern, looking at the numbers can help you take a good look at the cost of meeting your goal—so you can decide if it’s worth it. 3. Are you in the right field and on the right career path for you? I have a close friend who thought he wanted to become doctor and didn’t realize until halfway through medical school that it wasn’t his wish, but his familys. Just saying: a little self honesty might save you. 4. Is a master’s the best way to get where youre going? So you know your goal. Is there a less expensive and less time-consuming way to get there? 5. Is there a scholarship out there for me? As with undergraduate studies, there is money out there ready for the taking. Why not do a little research at links like this one to see if there is any for you.

So, just a little food for thought as you make this big decision. Researching current trends in employment (like with this article) is another good place to start.

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