To get a doctorate or not to get a doctorate?

I LOOOOOVED my educational leadership doctoral experience; the support from my cohort, the expertise from my professors, and the importance/impact of my dissertation research. My doctorate helped to elevate my career and I use the teachings in my practice every day. In fact, I wish all of my colleagues could have the opportunity to open their minds and hearts to an Ed.D. program.

I am not going to pretend it’s easy, because it isn’t. But time is a funny thing. It does not slow down and rarely is there a perfect time to get a doctorate. Whenever anyone is remotely interested in getting their doctorate, I nudge them towards getting one. The hardest part is applying and after that, you’ll get it done.

Something we seriously need to address is cost. I went to Cal State University, Fullerton (Go Titans!) which has one of the most reasonable rates for an Ed.D. in my research. The costs is still significant enough to ask yourself some important questions:

• Where am I in my career and will I monetarily benefit in the long run?

• Am I and my family willing to fund my desire to learn at the highest of levels?

The sticker price is shocking and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program can alleviate some of the financial burden. When I got my first loan payment (using the Income Loan Based option), I cried. It was close to $900/month (including $18k from my masters degree). There are financial advisors who are experts on students loans and can bring the monthly costs down. Since student loan payments have been suspended, I haven’t had a chance to look into it.

Everyone has their own cost-benefit analysis to do and hopefully your family is supportive. I’m always available to talk and share my experience.