With graduation a few short months away, many students are worried about the financial burden of repaying their student loans or finding jobs, so the idea of going on to graduate school might seem impossible.
But the benefits of going to graduate school are not limited to the educational hands-on training that exceeds what many learn in an undergraduate university. Graduate school may also have monetary benifits. In addition, it provides many students with the advantage they need to succeed in their declared fields of study.
Senior Kristin Dykhouse is going to graduate school because of the lack of jobs and demand in her field of social work.
“With my major, many companies are looking for more of a higher degree, like a masters,” said Dykhouse, who hopes to attend West Chester University in West Chester, Pa.
Senior Grace Ciak decided to go to graduate school to balance out her education.
“I talked to some people about going to graduate school for social work, even though I am a double major in communications and English,” Ciak said. “They said it was okay and that’s what I decided to do.”
With her experience in English, communications and soon social work, Ciak will benefit from all her studies when she goes to look for a job. So far she has applied to Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y. and West Chester University. Both Dykhouse and Ciak are planning to be full-time graduate students.
Along with the educational benefits of going to graduate school, Ciak looks forward to other financial advantages.
“Since I am going to graduate school, I will be able to be on my parents’ insurance as long as I am in school,” Ciak said.
With most insurance plans, students can be on their parents’ insurance until the age of 23, or as long as they are in school.
Mikaela Brown 
Sophia Hunter 
Jayme Fisher