<p>I am at a crossroads right now. I was accepted to an MA program (in Sociology). They typically do not offer financial aid as it is a terminal-MA only program. However, they recommended me to pursue a "Community Fellowship" program, aimed at preparing me to use the degree to carry out work in a Community setting. Essentially the program is more based on practical applications and less on academic theory/prep for a PhD.</p>
<p>This fellowship program makes me responsible for approx. 7-8k of the entire degree cost (which would have been close to 34k), so it does have its perks. However, under the program terms, I must work 15hrs a week doing an externship/practicum experience under a community org. </p>
<p>I am not sure my current employer will allow me to go to part time, or if I could handle my primary job, the community program and taking degree classes at the same time. I've been trying to calculate the "cost" of taking a year off of work and how much money I would need to pay my minimum monthly expenses (thankfully, I have a parent who is will to allow me to stay at home while I complete the degree, and this minimizes cost). I keep coming up with a number around 15-16k.</p>
<p>Mind you, I already have 30k in debt from undergrad, and I've calculated out that another 16k is about $170 more per month in loan payments. I think I could reasonably handle that, but that's based on moving into a job that will eventually pay more than my current occupation.</p>
<p>I guess the main question I am getting at is whether anyone thinks that 15-16k for a Master's program is an awful price to pay. I expect my salary increases to be close to 10k/year greater based on some of my research, and that would more than cover my loan increases, but I know I also currently need to budget my money very carefully and know that this would likely continue if I pursue a Master's at this time.</p>
<p>Ughhhh....hahaha....this is such a confusing mess. I thought it would be easy: that I would be accepted, not get offered any financial incentives and then I would either try again next year at different schools or look into a different type of grad. program.</p>