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The pandemic is creating a new kind of community among deferred students

Dec 1, 2020
These students are fostering friendships and study groups without school.
A quiet MIT campus in July. The coronavirus pandemic is giving many students a reason to defer their school admissions.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

It's a good time to be an economist

Jan 13, 2016
Job listings for economists Ph.D.s increased significantly in the last year.

Is grad school "professional suicide"?

Jan 27, 2014
Consultant Karen Kelsky says a change in school funding is leaving many grad students buried under a pile of insurmountable debt.

Report: Fewer students enrolling in grad schools

Sep 28, 2012
Overall enrollment in graduate programs fell almost 2 percent last year. Debra Stewart from the Council of Graduate Schools tells us why and which program is bucking the trend.

Yes, take advantage of a rollover IRA

May 24, 2012
My wife and I have taught in Alabama public schools for the past 2 years and have made (forced) contributions to the state retirement system in that time frame. Together, we've got around $8,000 invested in the state retirement system. Realizing the limited income prospects for career teachers, we both applied and were accepted to a top 25 law school on full-tuition scholarship. My question to you is this: For my retirement account, I have the option of either a) taking a lump-sum payment of the $8,000, minus 20 percent in federal income tax, or b) rolling it over into a 401(k), IRA, or similar long-term savings plan. Should I take the money and run, or should I start building a retirement nest egg while I'm financing the rest of my life with borrowed money? Alex, Montgomery, AL

The risks of buying with no money down

May 1, 2012
I recently was accepted to grad school, and my wife and I will be moving from Michigan to New Mexico. We are having a debate as to whether we should buy a home. After I finish my degree, I would like the freedom to leave New Mexico, if necessary, without having to worry about selling a home. My wife doesn't like the idea of paying rent and getting nothing back from it. Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

Parents and graduate school

Apr 9, 2012
What do you suggest is the best way for middle-income baby boomers to support their children's post-bachelor's degree educations? Anne, Burlington, VT

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Thinking about an encore career

Mar 14, 2012
Currently, I am thinking about going back to school for a graduate degree to change my career entirely. It would be hard to do this while working full-time. I think that if I stick out this job for another 15 years, I should be OK to retire. (It's just me -- no husband or kids -- and I owe about $80,000 on my house.) I would LOVE to quit and go back to school (maybe with a loan?) for an "encore" career. It's amazing how much more expensive school is now. It's crazy. I know that I will be able to find a position once I have the degree. It may not be earning as much as I do now, but that's OK. Is this even something I should entertain? Jackie, Columbus, GA

Weighing the price of a graduate degree

Feb 7, 2012
It is time for potential graduate students to hear back from schools. I was accepted to two top-rate, out-of-state schools and will likely get into an unranked in-state school. I compared the cost of out-of-state schools to the in-state school; the difference (over the 10-year repayment period) exceeds $55,000! All graduates have to pass a standardized national exam to be licensed, and all graduates in my field are employed. Is the difference in quality and reputation worth the extra debt? Will my starting salary be affected, and how important is that over the course of my career? Jordan, Raleigh, NC

Law schools sued by alumni who can't find work

Feb 2, 2012
A group of recent law graduates sues a dozen law schools, saying the institutions misled them about job and salary prospects.