[Resolute Conservative]

I call BS on the STEM graduate degrees. The difference would be going back to school in later life for the graduate after getting 10-15+ years experience. That may not benefit you. Had I got a Masters in Computer Science younger it would be beneficial but waiting until my late 40’s and older would reap small gains.

Also, I think the gap has closed because many H1B folks tout their Master’s degree from the University of Curry and still have no practical skill only theoretical.

[thackney]

I call BS on the STEM graduate degrees.

I think that is too broad a group to make that claim. Most engineers (but not all) won't get enough difference in pay for the delay in receiving a pay check and future raises.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Had I got a Masters in Computer Science younger it would be beneficial but waiting until my late 40’s and older would reap small gains."

As a software programmer, my experience is that a master degree in comp sci gets you nothing (and this list bears that out). What matters in the field of programming is what languages do you know and what you are certified in. For instance, right now having 2 years experience in C sharp will get you a lot better job than the extra two years in college to get a masters degree.

[Marie]

“Had I got a Masters in Computer Science younger it would be beneficial but waiting until my late 40’s and older would reap small gains.”

This is where my husband’s at. After crunching the numbers, getting a masters at this stage of his life would only add about $10,000 in per-taxable income. Getting the degree while working would make this a slow, painful process.

But now there’s an opportunity for him to take a year off and get his masters without working and it would all be paid for. Now *that* he’ll consider.

[zeugma]

Also, I think the gap has closed because many H1B folks tout their Master’s degree from the University of Curry and still have no practical skill only theoretical.

In my experience, they don't even have theoretical skills.

Sometimes I can't believe the people I work with overseas.