<p>My college plans have been pushed back 3 years since I took that much time off of undergrad to recover from an illness. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I was wondering how marriage factors in around grad school? If I were to pursue my MPH at 27, would it be best to get married before, after, or during (considering finances especially)?</p>
<p>An MPH is a two year (mostly coursework) degree. I’ve had friends who worked nearly full-time while pursuing their MPH as FT students and were fine.</p>
<p>If you aren’t taking on a job, I don’t think the time of marriage is really that big of an issue. YMMV, though.</p>
<p>I’ve known a ton of people in my PhD program that are married. I think it can work out well since it can give you structure in your schedule and you’re way more likely to get up/go to sleep at a regular time. Biggest thing is they need to be understanding when you have to be out late for study groups or those sorts of things.</p>
<p>If it does not affect financial aid I do not think getting married or not should really affect plans much … the timing of kids is a much more significant question!</p>
<p>That’s interesting feedback…thanks. I’ve got a long way to go (I’m turning 22 this month) but I’ll note that it won’t really be a problem.</p>
<p>Well, I agree with 3togo here. Planning for kids is a much much more significant and hard decision. MArriage or not, there is no difference in graduate school.</p>
<p>I think a lot of people enter grad school realizing that it will be the last great opportunity to meet similarly inclined smart & interesting people in highly concentrated numbers in a stimulating environment, particularly contra any work/bar/church scene they’ve encountered if they’ve worked for a little while after undergrad. Therefore, while marriage isn’t a reason for grad school, many at least subconsciously recognize the possibilities inherent therein and— and—</p>
<p>oh…wait…that’s not where the question was actually heading. Never mind.</p>
<p>Marriage before grad school means your spouse has to be happy wherever you end up moving, so it adds at least another factor to consider. Being married during grad school can be nice for financial reasons, with them either contributing income or reducing your tax burden. It can also help keep you sane 
However, I can’t imagine having kids during grad school, which is obviously more of an issue if you’re married than not. I know people do it, but I have no idea how.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input it’s really helpful. “TheDad” I didn’t mind your tangent lol!</p>