How much should you pay for your degrees?

TEKMAN · Jan 23, 2013

Fortunato said: ↑

I have always held up a philosophy that can be summed up in one sentence when it comes to choosing a degree program: You should choose to attend the most prestigious school you can get into that offers the degree you want in a format you will complete at a price you can afford without incurring excessive debt.

For my undergrad degree, I wanted to earn a degree in business administration completely online. In 2000, when I started looking for programs, there were no local options, but I was able to find the University of Wyoming, which offered in-state tuition to distance education students. I could put tuition and books on my credit card and pay off the debt before the end of the term. I also used CLEP and DSST exams, and graduated debt-free in 2004.

Next up was the MBA. I decided I was going to get this completely paid for, and ended up with full tuition rides and stipends at multiple top-50 MBA programs. In the end, I took my employer up on his offer to pay to send me to a top-10 school. Two degrees, still no debt.

And for fun, I earned a graduate certificate. One course at a time over two years, paid for out-of-pocket. All in all, I personally put about $12K into my education, not counting the three abysmal years I spent flunking out of my first attempt at undergrad, which I was also able to cashflow by borrowing money from my parents at the beginning of each semester and paying it back over the course of each term. I think I spent about another $11K on those three years, back when tuition was much cheaper in the early-mid 1990s. However, given that I earned less than two years worth of credit in those eight semesters (I went to summer school both freshman and sophmore year), I tend to think of that money as a really expensive cover charge to the non-stop partying I did from the time I was 17 until I turned 21.
Click to expand...

You're a hero, who walked away with Fuqua's over $130,000.00 MBA for free.

rebel100 · Jan 23, 2013

Fortunato said: ↑

I have always held up a philosophy that can be summed up in one sentence when it comes to choosing a degree program: You should choose to attend the most prestigious school you can get into that offers the degree you want in a format you will complete at a price you can afford without incurring excessive debt.

For my undergrad degree, I wanted to earn a degree in business administration completely online. In 2000, when I started looking for programs, there were no local options, but I was able to find the University of Wyoming, which offered in-state tuition to distance education students. I could put tuition and books on my credit card and pay off the debt before the end of the term. I also used CLEP and DSST exams, and graduated debt-free in 2004.

Next up was the MBA. I decided I was going to get this completely paid for, and ended up with full tuition rides and stipends at multiple top-50 MBA programs. In the end, I took my employer up on his offer to pay to send me to a top-10 school. Two degrees, still no debt.

And for fun, I earned a graduate certificate. One course at a time over two years, paid for out-of-pocket. All in all, I personally put about $12K into my education, not counting the three abysmal years I spent flunking out of my first attempt at undergrad, which I was also able to cashflow by borrowing money from my parents at the beginning of each semester and paying it back over the course of each term. I think I spent about another $11K on those three years, back when tuition was much cheaper in the early-mid 1990s. However, given that I earned less than two years worth of credit in those eight semesters (I went to summer school both freshman and sophmore year), I tend to think of that money as a really expensive cover charge to the non-stop partying I did from the time I was 17 until I turned 21.
Click to expand...

Your journey fascinates me...well done!

taylor · Jan 23, 2013

Fortunato said: ↑

I have always held up a philosophy that can be summed up in one sentence when it comes to choosing a degree program: You should choose to attend the most prestigious school you can get into that offers the degree you want in a format you will complete at a price you can afford without incurring excessive debt.

Awesome advice!!! I'm sincerely impressed with what you've been able to accomplish academically even though like many of us you went through your own early challenges with school.

Was your Fuqua MBA earned online as well?
Click to expand...

taylor · Jan 23, 2013

Ok, should've paid closer attention to your signature, Cross Continent MBA. It has short term residencies globally and involves distance learning as well. Very cool =)

Ian Anderson · Jan 23, 2013

DxD=D^2 said: ↑

He might have received reimbursement from his employer. I know someone who is able to go to school 100% on their employer dime. Their employer reimburses every fee and cost for their education. The sad part is that person hasn't taken advantage of this benefit!
Click to expand...

That is whaT I was thinking. All my degrees were employer funded.

Randell1234 · Jan 23, 2013

Ian Anderson said: ↑

That is whaT I was thinking. All my degrees were employer funded.
Click to expand...

Mine too for the most part. I think I paid about $10K out over pocket over 10 years.

Log in or Sign up

How much should you pay for your degrees?

TEKMAN Semper Fi!

rebel100 New Member

taylor New Member

taylor New Member

Ian Anderson Active Member

Randell1234 Moderator

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

How much should you pay for your degrees?

TEKMAN Semper Fi!

rebel100 New Member

taylor New Member

taylor New Member

Ian Anderson Active Member

Randell1234 Moderator

Share This Page

Useful Searches