Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
(OP)
Greetings All,
In a few days I turn the ripe old age of 40. I currently live in a rural area about 40 miles from a larger metro area, where I work. My current job title is Senior Network Engineer at a mid-sized telecommunications company, with a compensation level of just under $90k per year including bonus. Over the past 20 years I have earned approximatley 35 college credit between ITT & DeVry, both in their EET programs. My "rolling" work schedule makes it almost impossible to attend classes in person. So I have been researching online Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degrees for sometime. The few ABET certified programs available are pretty expensive coming in around $460 per credit hour.
Completing a college degree is a personal goal, and also I feel its necessary for career security. I have looked at other degree programs that would be less expensive and easier to complete but they just dont interest me. Ill probably need to work until early 60s, maybe longer depending on the economy.
I'm having a hard time justifing the cost to complete the degree because I'm not sure how much if any it will increase my earning potential. My employer does offer tuition assistance in the amount of $5500 per year.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,
In a few days I turn the ripe old age of 40. I currently live in a rural area about 40 miles from a larger metro area, where I work. My current job title is Senior Network Engineer at a mid-sized telecommunications company, with a compensation level of just under $90k per year including bonus. Over the past 20 years I have earned approximatley 35 college credit between ITT & DeVry, both in their EET programs. My "rolling" work schedule makes it almost impossible to attend classes in person. So I have been researching online Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degrees for sometime. The few ABET certified programs available are pretty expensive coming in around $460 per credit hour.
Completing a college degree is a personal goal, and also I feel its necessary for career security. I have looked at other degree programs that would be less expensive and easier to complete but they just dont interest me. Ill probably need to work until early 60s, maybe longer depending on the economy.
I'm having a hard time justifing the cost to complete the degree because I'm not sure how much if any it will increase my earning potential. My employer does offer tuition assistance in the amount of $5500 per year.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks,





RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Good luck,
Latexman
Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Then you should be looking to a BSEE, rather than an EET. Yahoo News reports a guy just finishing his HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE at age 97. At 40, you still have up to 30 yrs of work career ahead. That said, you should be doing it because it's something that you are truly interested in; nothing worse than doing something you don't like.
TTFN

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RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer
http://bwengr.com | http://bwstructuralengineer.com | http://bwcivilengineer.com
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Bruce Youngman
http://www.dynamicsolutions-mi.com
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
I do have some concerns about the quality of an online program in engineering. I took one course in Business Law online and it was tough to communicate on message boards. Several engineering courses have a lab component that you will miss out on. I am not sure how ABET schools can offer the lab part online.
Ultimately, you have to decide how bad you want the degree. Nothing is guaranteed but I have also seen opportunities open up in the blink of an eye in my career. If one comes along that requires a BS, you may end up regretting your decision. On the other hand, if you like what you do and have a good life, there is nothing better than being content.
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
That's not to say you should ignore online material, just be aware that there are plenty of others out there who view it in the same manner as me.
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?
Don't do it for the chance of higher income. Do it for your personal goals and for something you love to do.
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RE: Does finishing a BSEE make financial sense at the age of 40?