We visited John and Jill in this module, and gained a graphic appreciation of how Jill’s lifetime earnings exceeded those of John’s, despite Jill losing 4 employable years to pursue her education, and the monies paid out for tuition.
As several students pointed out (myself included) in our discussion board, I think it would be interesting to conduct this same RORE calculation for adult learners returning to school for an advanced degree. However, they would probably still be working (usually full time) so there’s no revenue loss (although there would be a tuition expenditure). I think it would be particularly interesting to compare earning the master’s degree through a face to face program, vs. a distance education (DE) program. In addition to expenses saved (gas, parking, etc.), which is all objective data, I feel compelled to argue that the subjective gains (ease of degree completion through DE) are important as well.
Regardless of the method of delivery (F2F vs DE), even if the RORE doesn’t make a conclusive case for enhanced earnings thanks to an advanced degree, I believe the intangible benefits need to be included as well. Satisfaction for a job well done, enhanced understanding of your current job, and so forth. Both are important in my mind!
As several students pointed out (myself included) in our discussion board, I think it would be interesting to conduct this same RORE calculation for adult learners returning to school for an advanced degree. However, they would probably still be working (usually full time) so there’s no revenue loss (although there would be a tuition expenditure). I think it would be particularly interesting to compare earning the master’s degree through a face to face program, vs. a distance education (DE) program. In addition to expenses saved (gas, parking, etc.), which is all objective data, I feel compelled to argue that the subjective gains (ease of degree completion through DE) are important as well.
Regardless of the method of delivery (F2F vs DE), even if the RORE doesn’t make a conclusive case for enhanced earnings thanks to an advanced degree, I believe the intangible benefits need to be included as well. Satisfaction for a job well done, enhanced understanding of your current job, and so forth. Both are important in my mind!