By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
As graduation approaches, many seniors at the university weigh an important decision: whether to continue their education into graduate school or enter the workforce immediately.
The choice often comes down to finance, career goals and personal motivation.
“If you need to do it for your career, then you should. But if you don’t need to, then you should just get straight to working because if you’re in debt, then that’s only going to make it worse,” communication major Ethan Hughes, a senior, said.
Many students may feel pressure to continue their education before really understanding their career paths and personal desires.
“I feel like they just do it cause like they don’t even know what they’re doing yet; it’s got to be necessary for your career because it’s just more debt and more school,” Hughes said.
Other students believe graduate school offers long-term benefits despite the additional time and financial commitment.
“It’s going to get me a better occupation. Having a master’s gets you into more opportunities and possibilities instead of having it be more limited with just the bachelor’s,” biology major Craig Huydic, a senior, said.
For students like Huydic, the decision has been influenced by advice and experience from those who have already entered the workforce.
“I’ve heard a lot of things from people who have said that they were going to come back to college, and a lot of them always say that once you get out, it’s hard to get back in, and it’s better to just get it over with and to do it right after,” Huydic said.
Ultimately, the decision for most students comes back to prospective job opportunities. Many students begin to fear that a master’s degree is becoming increasingly necessary.
A bachelor’s may end up being insufficient in receiving a high-paying job. Communication major Nelson Roman, a senior, said she is considering enrolling into graduate programs in order to separate herself from other applicants in the workforce.
“It isn’t necessary, but the wages aren’t as high as you may need with only a bachelor’s,” Roman said. “People who don’t have a master’s and apply for jobs in Connecticut, it becomes a lot more competitive. It is a fast track to higher-paying jobs.”
The decision for students is deeply personal, but with many opting to join master’s programs, it has more students questioning whether it is the right decision for them. Graduate school is not for everyone and depends largely on the individual.
“College is a prospect. It’s all about how you view it. If you want to progress in your educational career, go for it. But if you’re hesitant, don’t do it. Otherwise, I don’t think it’s going to be worth it,” Huydic said.
Students continue to navigate these decisions while balancing financial realities with long-term educational and career goals.
Some prioritize entering the workforce to avoid accumulating debt; others see it as a path to higher salaries and opportunities.
Seniors agree that the choice is up to the individual and should be guided through aspirations and commitment.
