Is a PhD Worth It?

Is a PhD worth it? Discover the potential advantages of earning a PhD and how it may help you enhance your professional qualifications and pursue your career goals.
Phd graduates celebrating
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Read time 5 minutes
Published On Apr 15, 2025
Unlock Your Potential

Speak with a University Counselor today.

Apply Now

1 Kowalczuk-Walędziak, M., Lopes, A., Menezes, I. and Tormenta, N. (2017, June 29). Teachers Pursuing a Doctoral Degree: Motivations and Perceived Impact. Educational Research. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.

2 Educations.com. (2025, Jan. 28). Why Earning a PhD Is a Benefit in Today's Job Market. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025. 

3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.

4 Bevan, J. (n.d.). But What if I Don’t Want to Work in Academia? Alternative Career Paths for After Your PhD. FindAPhD. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.

5 Langin, K. (2019, March 12). In a First, U.S. Private Sector Employs Nearly as Many PhDs as Schools Do. Science. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025. 

6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April). Education Pays, 2023. Career Outlook. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2025.


Approved and verified accurate by the dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on March 26, 2025.
 

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to Apply