Is a MSW Worth it?

[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.

[sackofcrap]

You don't HAVE to accumulate 40K debt. Apply for some scholarships. Work as a graduate assistant while you are at school and go to an in state school. That should cut back on the debt quite a bit. Or you could get the Bachelor's degree, work for a few years and save up some money, then go back to school and that would also cut back on the debt significantly. The point is, it's not an either or decision. You don't have to accumulate all of that debt to get the pay increase that comes with a MSW.

My suggestion might be to wait and try to work with just the Bachelor's degree first. See where that gets you. If you end up in a spot that you like with pay that you think is good, then go for it. If not, then consider going for the master's.