Maria Duke
⚛ Esquire
I've encountered numerous claims suggesting that pursuing a PhD could lead to financial setbacks, possibly irreversibly. Many argue it's a poor choice with significant opportunity costs.
However, let's consider this from a different angle: While this might hold true for those born into privileged circumstances, such as being middle-class in a wealthy country, the narrative shifts for individuals hailing from underdeveloped nations grappling with political and economic instability. For them, embarking on a PhD journey in the U.S. could be a remarkably astute financial move.
Speaking from personal experience as a graduate student, I've found myself earning substantially more than my counterparts who remained in my home country. Moreover, should I opt to work in my field (engineering) here for a period, my financial standing upon returning home would place me comfortably within the top 0.1%.
To conclude, it's undeniable that graduate students often contend with low stipends that should undoubtedly be higher. However, blanket statements like "a PhD is financial suicide" fail to acknowledge the stark realities faced by billions worldwide who weren't fortunate enough to be born into developed nations.
However, let's consider this from a different angle: While this might hold true for those born into privileged circumstances, such as being middle-class in a wealthy country, the narrative shifts for individuals hailing from underdeveloped nations grappling with political and economic instability. For them, embarking on a PhD journey in the U.S. could be a remarkably astute financial move.
Speaking from personal experience as a graduate student, I've found myself earning substantially more than my counterparts who remained in my home country. Moreover, should I opt to work in my field (engineering) here for a period, my financial standing upon returning home would place me comfortably within the top 0.1%.
To conclude, it's undeniable that graduate students often contend with low stipends that should undoubtedly be higher. However, blanket statements like "a PhD is financial suicide" fail to acknowledge the stark realities faced by billions worldwide who weren't fortunate enough to be born into developed nations.