I looked at the amount of jobs I could have with a bachelors vs the amount of jobs I could have with a masters and decided to never get a masters. I would be virtually unemployable in my state of New Mexico with a masters or Phd.
A gal I worked with in an engineering position--same position as me--had a Phd in Physics, made the same amount as me with a BSEE and she was happy to have the job. That told me a lot.
With the end of the 'Patron System' of arts and philosophy, the only hope in America if you want to be employed and educated is to go for the employment and then educate yourself as a hobby.
It pays more now to be clever than smart....