386: How to Calculate the ROI of Grad School

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I explain how to calculate the return on investment, or ROI, of graduate school. As admissions season begins, many prospective students are asking whether an advanced degree makes financial sense. I walk you through the data you can use to make a more informed decision, including expected salaries, the full cost of attendance, lost wages, completion rates, and time to degree. I also invite you to consider the personal, professional, and community returns that may matter alongside salary. Through a simplified break-even calculation and a set of values-based questions, you can evaluate whether a particular program will bring you closer to the work, impact, autonomy, and long-term well-being you want. In this episode, you will learn: How to compare your earning potential with a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree Which expenses to include when calculating the full cost of graduate school Why lost wages, retirement contributions, and time away from the workforce matter when calculating the ROI of grad school How completion rates, attrition, and time to degree affect a program’s potential return How to estimate the number of years it may take to recover your graduate school investment How to weigh financial outcomes alongside intellectual fulfillment, professional autonomy, community impact, and personal values Work with me Explore grad admissions consulting support as you clarify your goals and decide whether grad school aligns with the future you want: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/consulting Free resource Download your Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/kit/ Explore more Read the full blog post on "How to Calculate the ROI of Grad School": https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/how-to-calculate-the-roi-of-graduate-school/ Listen to more episodes on Financial Literacy and Grad Funding: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/financial-literacy-and-grad-funding/ Support the podcast with a one-time or monthly donation: https://donate.stripe.com/bJedR8dGRcs6ewGdwq38401 Access transcripts and additional resources: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/ Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yessisanchez/ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or other professional services. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.