Comprehensive Guide
Learn more in our Planning Guide.
How it works
degree comparison tool takes your inputs and produces degree 1: 10-year net earnings, degree 2: 10-year net earnings, better financial choice, salary advantage of higher-cost degree. Compare different degree programs by cost, expected salary, job outlook, and return on investment. You provide 5 inputs: Degree 1: total cost (currency, in dollars) (default: 80000 dollars); Degree 1: starting salary (currency, in dollars) (default: 65000 dollars); Degree 2: total cost (currency, in dollars) (default: 120000 dollars); Degree 2: starting salary (currency, in dollars) (default: 75000 dollars); Years to compare (number) (default: 10). The calculator returns 4 outputs: Degree 1: 10-year net earnings (the primary result); Degree 2: 10-year net earnings (a secondary output); Better financial choice (a secondary output); Salary advantage of higher-cost degree (a secondary output). Educational finance tools translate abstract financial concepts into concrete numbers. Whether you are planning for college costs, understanding student loan repayment, or modeling education savings growth, this calculator gives you the precise figures that drive the decision. The underlying formula: Net earnings = (Salary × years × growth factor) − Total cost | ROI = Net earnings ÷ Cost × 100. With the default values, degree 1: 10-year net earnings is computed from the interaction of every input field — change any one of them and the result updates immediately, so you can stress-test different scenarios without re-entering the whole form. Adjust the inputs to match your real financial situation. The defaults are realistic starting points, but every person's circumstances differ — your actual income, expenses, rates, and timelines will produce a different answer. Use the tool iteratively: start with the defaults, then change one variable at a time to see which factor has the largest impact on your outcome.Formula
Net earnings = (Salary × years × growth factor) − Total cost | ROI = Net earnings ÷ Cost × 100.
Tips
- A more expensive degree is only worth it if the salary premium justifies the cost.
- Compare same-field degrees at different schools — brand name rarely justifies 2× cost.
- Consider the job market for each degree — high salary means nothing if jobs are scarce.
- A cheaper degree with co-op/internship experience often beats an expensive degree without.
Frequently asked questions
Is a more expensive degree always better?
No. A $120K degree with $75K starting salary may have lower ROI than an $80K degree with $65K salary. Over 10 years, the $80K degree can earn more net of costs. Focus on net earnings, not prestige.
How do I compare degrees at different schools?
Compare: total cost (including living expenses), median starting salary for graduates, job placement rate, and alumni network strength. The cheapest option with good placement rates is usually the best financial choice.
What does the degree comparison tool calculate?
It takes degree 1: total cost, degree 1: starting salary, degree 2: total cost, degree 2: starting salary, years to compare as inputs and computes degree 1: 10-year net earnings, degree 2: 10-year net earnings, better financial choice, salary advantage of higher-cost degree. The primary output is degree 1: 10-year net earnings. Compare different degree programs by cost, expected salary, job outlook, and return on investment.