SOWK 26

I am about to graduate in May with a BS in Social Work and I have been accepted into two graduate programs, (one in state/ one out of state), but I'm starting to have some doubts. When I graduate I will not have ANY debt and its a great feeling! However, all I have ever heard from all of my professors is that I need to get a MSW. I want one, but not at the risk of getting into 40k worth of debt. I might be persuaded to do so, if it would be worth the return in my career for higher earnings, but I have heard mixed thoughts about this. No debt with an average earning of 30k working in a nursing home for me is manageable starting fresh, but 40k debt with a MSW making 35K is not something I want to do. Someone please help, I want to know is it worth going into debt to get a MSW with advanced standing knowing that when I am finished I will not have real experience (except field) going into the job market.

I am about to graduate in May with a BS in Social Work and I have been accepted into two graduate programs, (one in state/ one out of state), but I'm starting to have some doubts. When I graduate I will not have ANY debt and its a great feeling! However, all I have ever heard from all of my professors is that I need to get a MSW. I want one, but not at the risk of getting into 40k worth of debt. I might be persuaded to do so, if it would be worth the return in my career for higher earnings, but I have heard mixed thoughts about this. No debt with an average earning of 30k working in a nursing home for me is manageable starting fresh, but 40k debt with a MSW making 35K is not something I want to do. Someone please help, I want to know is it worth going into debt to get a MSW with advanced standing knowing that when I am finished I will not have real experience (except field) going into the job market.