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.

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