Author Topic: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?  (Read 26530 times)

It Figures

  • Guest
Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« on: September 27, 2012, 01:18:42 PM »
Education costs are high.  Smart students are looking to get the best bang for their education buck.  When you take into account cost of an undergraduate degree and the return on its investment, what would you say is the most mustachian degree? 
« Last Edit: September 27, 2012, 01:34:05 PM by slowitdown »

rjack

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 90
  • Age: 64
  • Location: Philadelphia PA
  • I'm retired!
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2012, 01:22:59 PM »
Computer Science

It Figures

  • Guest
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2012, 01:24:38 PM »
Wow that was fast, thanks!

JohnGalt

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 484
  • Age: 39
  • Location: TX
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2012, 01:28:15 PM »
Computer Science of some sort is probably the best undergrad 4 year degree if that's your intent and assuming your interested in it. 

Another option I would consider if I went back would be a shorter trade school degree/certificate of some sort. 

All that said - don't study something you hate just on the expectation of a good paycheck out of school.  First off - you'll be miserable doing it.  Second - you probably won't make as much money as you'd expect if you're not passionate and driven about it. 

It Figures

  • Guest
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2012, 01:31:16 PM »
I agree that you should enjoy the field you are studying or working in.  However, with that said, sometimes we do a job that we mostly  like in order to retire early and do the stuff we really LOVE!!!

lauren_knows

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 846
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Annandale, VA, USA
  • Happiness is a choice
    • The Crowdsourced FIRE simulator
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2012, 01:39:45 PM »
I agree that you should enjoy the field you are studying or working in.  However, with that said, sometimes we do a job that we mostly  like in order to retire early and do the stuff we really LOVE!!!

Agreed.  I like computers in general, got an IT degree, then a Masters in Systems Engineering (paid for by my company), but I take no enjoyment in my software testing position.  Great people, great company, great pay, not that enjoyable, but it's just a J-O-B.

Also to add:  I do think Computer Science is a good choice these days... but with enough drive, you can learn computer science without even getting a degree. Once you get a single company to take a chance on you without a degree, your experience will speak louder than a piece of paper.  It's a possible route people can take if they're driven and debt averse.

tooqk4u22

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2832
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2012, 02:26:46 PM »
Accounting - the field is lucrative, can be flexible, and if you don't want to be an accountant it has many applications in business - combine it with a minor/dual major with CS and then it could be the perfect degree. 

But like above don't do something just for money or just to save money, if you don't like it or don't naturally gravitate to it then you won't be good at and you won't make as much doing it.

freelancerNfulltimer

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 157
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2012, 02:29:49 PM »
Seconded about learning on your own. Lynda.com is a (very low) monthly subscription website with tons of video lessons on a variety of computer/internet related topics like PHP, JAVA, Javascript etc... programming.

A degree is nice in Computer Science but isn't necessary. I would start taking some online tutorials first to see how you like it and if it's something you can handle then go for the degree. Taking the online classes first will give you a leg up as well.

I think starting salary for a .NET programmer is like $70,000 or so.

cosmie

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 175
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2012, 02:57:36 PM »
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You have a predominantly engineering crowd here, so you'll get answers accordingly (which will result in good money, but not an exhaustive list of options).

For the most part, going with a STEM field that aligns with your interests will give you the most bang-for-your-buck. As well, STEM programs generally have more funding for students in the form of scholarships, research, internships, etc.

There are also several fields in Business that are extremely well paying. Supply Chain Management, Accounting, and Marketing degrees, combined with an analytical focus/mindset, would be a quite lucrative gig. In fact, I'm getting what's essentially an applied statistics degree through a business school, and just received an internship offer in supply chain at a base pay of $23/hr for the internship.
« Last Edit: September 27, 2012, 03:01:55 PM by cosmie »

Mariana

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • Location: Washington
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2012, 03:02:13 PM »
Nursing and engineering are also good BS degrees.  I'm a nurse and can attest to earning a good salary (over $60,000) right out of school.  Two of my brothers-in-law are engineers (one mechanical and one electrical) and they make more than I do. 
I guess it's relative.  Now that I'm reading my post I see that some people may not consider my starting salary very high, especially compared to a programmer's!  But there are some more options.
Definitely go with something you'll enjoy, too, as that is priceless.

$_gone_amok

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 149
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2012, 03:11:59 PM »
You should always study a subject that you enjoy. A lot of high paying jobs could easily sustain a MMM life style regardless of what you studied in college.  If you like art, study art, if you like math, study math.  I think an undergrad degree should be about personal enrichment as opposite to a fast track to riches.

Edit:
A few schools offer combined BS/MS degree in financial engineering which will open doors for you to the world of trading and hedge funds.  A trader's lifestyle isn't exactly MMMs but its the fastest way to make millions.
« Last Edit: September 27, 2012, 03:16:33 PM by $_gone_amok »

freelancerNfulltimer

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 157
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #11 on: September 27, 2012, 03:18:55 PM »
Nursing and engineering are also good BS degrees.  I'm a nurse and can attest to earning a good salary (over $60,000) right out of school.  Two of my brothers-in-law are engineers (one mechanical and one electrical) and they make more than I do. 
I guess it's relative.  Now that I'm reading my post I see that some people may not consider my starting salary very high, especially compared to a programmer's!  But there are some more options.
Definitely go with something you'll enjoy, too, as that is priceless.

I hear it is getting harder to find jobs in nursing. However a friend just finished her Physicians Assistant degree and has already secured a job a the Mayo Clinic. I don't know how much she's making starting salary but I would feel comfortable guessing $70,000. She probably has $80,000 in student loans.

AJ

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 906
  • Age: 40
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2012, 03:37:05 PM »
My sister just finished dental hygienist school and started out making $42 an hour 1 day a week. She went down to $35/hr when she got on full time, but still pretty good for only 2 years of school. Plus she has the flexibility to be part time, if she ever wants to be semi-FI.

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2012, 05:13:16 PM »
I would argue it's basically irrelevant/immaterial.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

Sparafusile

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 335
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Indiana, USA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2012, 05:27:02 PM »
I would have to agree. I came within 30 hours of graduating with a computer science degree. I just couldn't force myself to go to the obscure 500-level math classes that I knew I would never use. Despite that, I've been very successful in the computer science field. I learned a lot of really great things in school, but the really useful things I learned on my own as the need arose.

Guardian

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 70
  • Location: Arizona
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #15 on: September 27, 2012, 05:42:53 PM »
So how would you wise folks recommend I go about getting into Sustainability (I love it all but really love solar panels and water purification) without going to Arizona State University at 10k a year and taking classes I don't like at all (50% of the classes I do like, but some of it is wicked hard to endure). I am already paying off my debt from community college and working full time.

It Figures

  • Guest
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2012, 06:19:32 AM »
I would argue it's basically irrelevant/immaterial.

Call me dense, but I'm not sure I understand.  Do you mean that an undergraduate degree is irrelevant/immaterial or that you can reach ER and FI with any undergraduate degree?

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2012, 07:25:17 AM »
I would argue it's basically irrelevant/immaterial.

Call me dense, but I'm not sure I understand.  Do you mean that an undergraduate degree is irrelevant/immaterial or that you can reach ER and FI with any undergraduate degree?

Either.  I meant mostly the latter, that it's irrelevant what degree you have.  But since you point it out, the degree itself is mostly unnecessary as well.

The wife and I plan to be FI by our early 30s.  Our degrees?  Philosophy (me) and English (her).  Two mostly useless liberal arts degrees.  They aren't huge accelerants to FIRE, but we enjoyed the hell out of them.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

Use it up, wear it out...

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 224
  • Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #18 on: September 28, 2012, 08:24:43 AM »
arebelspy,

Allow me to disagree. There continue to be many jobs out there that require that you HAVE an undergraduate degree, regardless of what it is. Not that you need one to do the job, but companies use it as a filter.

The same is, sadly, even becoming true in computer science. When I started out (with my english literature degree) what they cared about is that you could do the job, primarily because there was far more work than qualified people. These days, I see many more jobs that require a degree (that filtering thing again). I was even told that I could not get a particular job because I didn't have an engineering or comp-sci undergrad degree, despite having 15 years of experience in the field.

Not impossible to get a great job without a degree - but certainly easier with one.

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2012, 08:44:05 AM »
There continue to be many jobs out there that require that you HAVE an undergraduate degree, regardless of what it is.

And those jobs are required to reach FI?

I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

Use it up, wear it out...

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 224
  • Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2012, 08:52:28 AM »
There continue to be many jobs out there that require that you HAVE an undergraduate degree, regardless of what it is.

And those jobs are required to reach FI?

Required... such a strong word. Certainly a job that requires a degree is not required to reach FI.
However, those jobs often pay more. They can accelerate FI. And many people will find the broader set of work options allows them to pick a more satisfactory life for themselves while they work toward FI.

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #21 on: September 28, 2012, 09:13:22 AM »
Possibly.

Many maths have been done on the ERE community and other places showing the four years of college (and costs) may set you back more, especially if you're planning on being out in 10 years or less.

It really depends on the path you take, and talking about specific jobs that require a degree is as irrelevant as me naming ones that don't.

Each person will have a different route, and if they have the right mindset I'd say that a college degree itself isn't necessary, but even if you decide to get one, the degree you get is largely irrelevant and immaterial.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

AJ

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 906
  • Age: 40
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #22 on: September 28, 2012, 10:23:34 AM »
Each person will have a different route, and if they have the right mindset I'd say that a college degree itself isn't necessary, but even if you decide to get one, the degree you get is largely irrelevant and immaterial.

I agree that everyone has to blaze their own path, and that any degree (or none) can still reach FI. But the OP asked what the "biggest bang for your buck" would be. I took that to mean "if you're goal is early FI, which degree would best help you with that." Any educational path can eventually lead to FI (even ERE), but some are smoother than others.

I would think that there are two categories of education that would be most helpful on a Mustachian path:
  • Anything that pays a ton and doesn't require grad school - with bonus points for 2 yr degrees (enter workforce sooner)
  • A trade that will serve you both in the work-force and in FI (like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, etc.)

anastrophe

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 560
  • Location: New England
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #23 on: September 28, 2012, 10:33:17 AM »
If I was going to do it over, I would not get a 4-year degree, I would go to tech school for an associate's in a trade.

If I had to get a 4-year degree, then most STEM-related avenues seem like a good bet, provided you enjoy the work--I know people with CS degrees who hate programming and left it for theatre, and people with chemistry degrees that thought lab work post-graduation would make them rip out their eyeballs. If you can't work in the field, it's probably not worth it, but if you can, there's funding.

totoro

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2188
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #24 on: September 28, 2012, 10:49:30 AM »
What I have been considering with my kids lately is whether there is anything they could train in while in high school that would lead to high wages right away after or before graduation and allow them to work for a couple of years, invest, and then go to college/university if they would like.   A trade seems the most likely proposition right now given that they are not computer obsessed.

I'd rather spend the money early to get them trained in something practical.  My son who is just turning 14 will be starting his first job next month obtained through a family connection.  He will be trained as a pharmacy tech which should lead to a slightly better than average summer and pt jobs.  I would actually pay his wages to get this experience (although I don't have to) because what he starts with now can lead to a better position earlier and will likely allow him to be hired in a number of locations near where we live.  He will be working 5-10 hrs a week to start and saving most of the money.



arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #25 on: September 28, 2012, 11:21:02 AM »
If I was going to do it over, I would not get a 4-year degree, I would go to tech school for an associate's in a trade.

Recent ERE thread on the "ideal" path to ERE that your post reminded me of:
http://forum.earlyretirementextreme.com/topic.php?id=532
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

anastrophe

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 560
  • Location: New England
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #26 on: September 28, 2012, 11:53:08 AM »
If I was going to do it over, I would not get a 4-year degree, I would go to tech school for an associate's in a trade.

Recent ERE thread on the "ideal" path to ERE that your post reminded me of:
http://forum.earlyretirementextreme.com/topic.php?id=532

Yes, I remember that thread (not really recent, I started out lurking over there a couple years back before MMM) but that last reply has got it.

I regret my 4-year liberal arts degree, though primarily just for the student loan debt--my writing and research skills are strong which must be good for something. But digging out from that debt has put ERE permanently out of reach for me, since I'm starting over at essentially zero, ten years after graduating high school. Granted, I am in much better shape than many of my peers, but given what I've learned now, I could have been so far ahead with a two-year degree in carpentry or a plumbing license.

I try not to dwell on it though, starting here is still better than starting at 40 or 50 or never.
« Last Edit: September 28, 2012, 11:54:58 AM by anastrophe »

arebelspy

  • Administrator
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *****
  • Posts: 28444
  • Age: -997
  • Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #27 on: September 28, 2012, 12:12:54 PM »
Sorry you regret yours.

I wouldn't go back and change mine.  If FI was the only thing important to me, I sure would.  But I really enjoyed my liberal arts degree, and don't care that it wasn't the fastest way to FI.

I guess the question is: looking forward, what will make you happiest?  That may or may not be the quickest path to FI.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
I (rarely) blog at AdventuringAlong.com. Check out the Now page to see what I'm up to currently.

jrhampt

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2016
  • Age: 46
  • Location: Connecticut
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #28 on: September 28, 2012, 12:35:47 PM »
I would go with something like Statistics or Actuarial Science with some computer programming classes.  Very practical and in demand lots of places.

unitsinc

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 188
  • Age: 38
  • Location: Houston/Denver
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #29 on: September 28, 2012, 12:53:47 PM »
I've got an associates degree(two years from a local community college) in Process Technology.

Average starting salary: 75k-80k(~$30-$35/hr)
Average days worked per year: ~180(Not counting vacation. Can work more if you want more money. Overtime ranges from 1.5-3x of hourly)
Cost of college including books: <5k

It's pretty hard to beat 80k for half a year of work, plus full benefits and retirement packages(if you wanna put in that many years) for such a small investment of time and money. Not to mention the industry is pretty much always hiring.
« Last Edit: September 28, 2012, 12:57:46 PM by unitsinc »

It Figures

  • Guest
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #30 on: September 28, 2012, 01:26:11 PM »
I'm a grade 12 coop teacher.  I love all the advice and feedback.  Students are constantly seeking this type of advice and I always want to make sure that I am aware of all the opportunities out there for them. Thanks!!

jpo

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 518
  • Age: 37
  • Location: North Carolina
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #31 on: September 28, 2012, 01:43:59 PM »
Also to add:  I do think Computer Science is a good choice these days... but with enough drive, you can learn computer science without even getting a degree. Once you get a single company to take a chance on you without a degree, your experience will speak louder than a piece of paper.  It's a possible route people can take if they're driven and debt averse.
Very much this. I learned as much in my internship as I did in class.

I would say find something in STEM.

frugal_engineer

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 88
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #32 on: September 28, 2012, 07:09:26 PM »
STEM!

As an engineer (mechanical) I can recommend two things to look for in your degree choice

1: Choose something (useful -aka STEM) that you actually like and have interest in, otherwise you will have infinitely more difficulty doing well
2: Find a school that emphasizes co-ops / internships

When I graduated with a BS and a Masters in ME after 5 years, I had 12 months experience working real jobs.  First, this makes your resume look better, which I'd call a mild advantage over a traditional degree program.  But most importantly, you'll have the real world experience to be able to contribute to your new job a lot faster than a fresh grad without any in-major work experience.

Finally, my feeling is that EE (maybe CE) is probably the best major from a financial perspective.  You get the circuit knowledge, which is always in demand, and you can also take the opportunity to specialize in programming and software if you so desire.  But, of course for actual fun during work, ME is the best!

EDIT:
I saw an article in Businessweek the other day that linked to this website which shows the average ROI for about 900 or so schools.  Interesting tool to check out when choosing an institution:
http://www.payscale.com/college-education-value
« Last Edit: September 28, 2012, 07:23:43 PM by cvh8601 »

badassprof

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 150
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #33 on: September 28, 2012, 07:37:37 PM »
I have to agree with Arebelspy regarding a liberal arts degree, although I admit that I'm bias on this front :)  But I do often tell my students this story:  my partner earned a BA in music and worked as a touring musician for much of his 20s. Then, around 27, he looked around and thought, do I want to tour for the rest of my life? I want a family, a home, etc.  Long story short, he did some research and decided to go into biotech because of its longterm prospects. His first job (found on Craigslist) earned him less than what he was making as a musician, but now, 10 years later, he is making 150,000+. 

Granted, he got into biotech in the late 1990s and we live in the SF bay area. There were opportunities here at that time that created a perfect storm. But I do believe, still, that smart, articulate people can get jobs, regardless of their degrees. It isn't easy and it requires some creativity, but I've seen people do it time and time again.

JR

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 129
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #34 on: September 28, 2012, 08:25:40 PM »
Skip college and get a dock worker job with a national LTL carrier (they will train you for your CDL at no cost).  While you are doing that save up and buy a dump truck.  Within four years of graduating high school you are an owner/operator dump truck driver making $100k+.

StetsTerhune

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 462
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #35 on: September 29, 2012, 08:04:44 AM »
I have to disagree with arebelspy on the liberal arts degree. Getting that first good job is largely dependent on your degree and luck. Once you get some experience in a good field, it hardly matters what your degree was, but minimizing the time to get that first job is incredibly important. When I was getting out of school it was certainly much easier to get your foot in the door without the "right" degree for a field, but I know a lot of 24 year old liberal arts degrees working at Whole Foods or day care centers.

As far as my ideal, I think it depends on what you mean by "mustachian." There are a some careers (programmers, engineers) with fairly high starting salaries, but less salary growth opportunity than others. While some start lower (accounting, actuarial) with lower starting salaries, but that are easier to break into management and earn more later. If you want to work for 10 years the answer is different than if you want to work for 25, I think.

And of course what you're interested in is still the most important thing by far.

**BTW, I was a double major in Math and Economics and felt like I could have landed a job in anything I wanted with that degree.
« Last Edit: September 29, 2012, 08:07:31 AM by StetsTerhune »

sideways8

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 123
  • Location: Beach Park, IL, USA
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #36 on: September 29, 2012, 10:17:49 AM »
Well, when my dad was still running his paving business he was pulling in more than a lot of surgeons... all on a high school education (on paper). He did, however, do a lot of self education. 

My mom did very well as a chemist. She got her chemistry degree going to night classes while working full time (AFTER having two kids). Superwoman for sure.

My sister is doing VERY well with her management of information systems degree (undergrad). When she was an intern still earning her degree, her pay was higher than mine when I started my current office job.

I have a bachelor's in music. Getting into it, I knew I was not bound for a life of excess. However, I manage to earn more than I need to get by. I currently work a day job in an office and teach during the evenings. While my degree isn't a get-rich-quick type degree, music is something I want to do forever. My idea of FI is being able to just do music and not have to sacrifice my time to a "day job." I really do want to teach lessons until I drop dead (hopefully not DURING a lessons).

cdngb

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 22
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #37 on: November 26, 2012, 10:03:35 PM »
Nursing.  Especially for males.

Great above average income and benefits. 

Look at the demographics of the patients and the nursing profession.  A growth industry for sure.

A portable profession that allows you for relocation and flexibility of full or part-time work in hospitals, clinics, industry, government or education.  Ability to specialize in hospital departments, ie ER, EMERG or OB.. 

Great opportunities for those who are bilingual.

No need for an Ivy League education for access for the best jobs.

Uncle Sam always need nurses, ever watch MASH.  Good way to get your education paid for.




YoungAndWise

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 49
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #38 on: November 27, 2012, 01:16:27 AM »
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm#tab-1

^Cartography is a rapidly expanding field. (aka Geography major)
Pay median is in $50k so that might help.

Best not necessarily the best but pretty rare so not a lot of competition within the major itself.

I'm planning to do this anyways.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2012, 01:21:31 AM by YoungAndWise »

JohnGalt

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 484
  • Age: 39
  • Location: TX
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #39 on: November 27, 2012, 08:30:57 AM »
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm#tab-1

^Cartography is a rapidly expanding field. (aka Geography major)
Pay median is in $50k so that might help.

Best not necessarily the best but pretty rare so not a lot of competition within the major itself.

I'm planning to do this anyways.

I don't know much about the Cartography field specifically - but I do work in a field that puts me in contact with a lot of people with geography degrees (doing GIS work) and, unless they heavily picked up the programming side, most of them are stuck in their current positions with not much room for advancement. 

Gerard

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1570
  • Location: eastern canada
    • Optimacheap
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #40 on: November 27, 2012, 11:35:11 AM »
I'm mostly with arebelspy on this one. But I accept that there are two main paths -- do something you like that teaches you to think, and then figure out your own FI path; or do something you quite possibly don't like, and do it (at school and work) for as short a time as possible to build up a big enough FI fund.

Also, it's not an all-or-nothing one-time high-cost decision. You can do more schooling later (maybe after/if the education bubble pops). You can change your mind. And you can use fairly-easy strategies to drastically reduce the cost of the degree in the first place.

I would say, never choose a programme based entirely on how fast it'll make you rich enough to retire. I work in a social sciences department, and we spend a lot of time picking up the pieces of people who did a "money" degree (often because their parents insisted) and absolutely hated it.

grantmeaname

  • CM*MW 2023 Attendees
  • Walrus Stache
  • *
  • Posts: 5960
  • Age: 31
  • Location: Middle West
  • Cast me away from yesterday's things
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #41 on: November 27, 2012, 12:37:31 PM »
Quote
But I accept that there are two main paths -- do something you like that teaches you to think, and then figure out your own FI path; or do something you quite possibly don't like, and do it (at school and work) for as short a time as possible to build up a big enough FI fund.
Those are a totally false dichotomy. There are plenty of well-paying careers that teach you to think, and plenty of likable careers that pay well.

Besides, it doesn't really matter how jobs pay -- Jacob lives on like four dollars a year, and I saved over half my Americorps pay. What matters is how low you're willing to trim your expenses in order to retire.

swiper

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 263
  • Location: Canada
  • swiping
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #42 on: November 27, 2012, 05:16:55 PM »
I would argue it's basically irrelevant/immaterial.

I think that's nonsense. The original question asked what undergraduate degree gives the best ROI (assuming $$$). I agree with many of the CS/Eng/IT/Accounting suggestions. Clearly, these occupations:

  • Have higher than average starting wages
  • Higher expected average wage ceilings
  • Are in demand in and expected to be so for many years

If a 4 year undergrad degree is a life goal (there are many reasons beyond $$$) and all other factors being equal (future frugality, future job stress etc), these professions will get a better ROI and get you to ER/FI  (on average) faster than a liberal arts degree.

Now, if the question were asking: Given an undergraduate degree's "present vs future" income trade-off, is it still a net benefit to achieving ER/FI, I could understand your point. However,  I think that to fully answer that question one would have to know the OP's expectation of retirement living expenses, cost of school etc. Not so cut and dry.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2012, 06:33:26 PM by swiper »

Peter

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 111
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #43 on: November 27, 2012, 06:19:00 PM »
If I had to do it again... I would skip university altogether and become a plumber or welder. I would work in the mining industry and make 120k/year to start by working my ass off. If that was too extreme, I'd be a plumber or welder in a nice city and make 60k to start, and live next to a college and take 1 course per semester in whatever I felt like, primarily to make college friends and meet girls.

What I did was get a Geotechnical Engineering degree, where I make 120k to start in the mining industry (or 60k in a cushy job in a nice city) after 5 years of school.

Clearly, alternate reality welder me is light years ahead of actual me. With 5 years of extra savings, job experience, and 50k less in tuition bills.

But it's not all bad. I can't even imagine how alternate reality Bachelors of Political Science me feels right now.  ;)

Peter

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 111
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #44 on: November 27, 2012, 06:28:49 PM »
I should add: One of the main reasons I didn't do this is because the following argument was fed to me from all directions as a teenager.

"That's all fine and dandy when you're 20 or 30, but when you get to be 40-60 you're really going to be ruined from doing all that hard labour."

 This advice is compelling, as it comes from both the 50 year old white collar guys who clearly are not ruined and affluent, AND from 50 year old blue collar guys who clearly are ruined physically and not quite as affluent ("stay in school, kid")

Neither of them of course consider the Mustachian way. Which if you can somehow start adhering to when you're 18, I feel strongly favours the blue collar route.

StarswirlTheMustached

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 475
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #45 on: November 27, 2012, 07:30:09 PM »
I'd agree with the line of advice I keep seeing: if you want FI fast, pick up a trade. You can read all the philosophy you want after work and once you're retired, so why pay for it? This from a fellow doing a PhD and whose wages come from a teaching assistantship. Trade work seems fundamentally more satisfying as well, at least to some people. (see "Shop Class As Soulcraft" and all the software guys and scientists who do carpentry etc as hobbies-- what does MMM do now that he can chose how to spend his time? It's not coding.)

That said, if you do want an undergraduate degree for whatever reason, I'd suggest CS, geology or engineering as your best bets. Geology if you like the great outdoors-- some of the best paying jobs are can be looked at as really long camping trips (though it seems like you end up hauling as much gear as a marine, and few enjoy that lifestyle). For engineering, mining engineering is your best bet in Canada right now, but it might be different in the USA. Unless you've already self-taught some programming, i wouldn't bother with CS; plenty of kids with a decade's experience already to compete with, and if you really liked it, you'd have done so.  Whatever you chose, under no circumstances are you to sign up for a program that does not offer co-op. For three reasons: 1) If you're mustashian with your money you can pay your way through, 2) You gain valuable job experience and invaluable network contacts, and 3) if there's no co-op, it's probably because they can't find enough jobs, and you don't want any degree for which that isn't the case.

okits

  • CMTO 2023 Attendees
  • Senior Mustachian
  • *
  • Posts: 13017
  • Location: Canada
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #46 on: November 27, 2012, 09:46:50 PM »
But it's not all bad. I can't even imagine how alternate reality Bachelors of Political Science me feels right now.  ;)

At the risk of seeming insensitive to those having difficulty finding work related to their degrees, I just about died laughing reading that.  :)

One factor I'd like to add is that you not only need to consider the degree, but what you're going to have to do to get the money out of it.  Anything that keeps you from having a normal life (e.g. what time of day or days of the week you work, how much you work, how much you need to travel for work, being on call) should be factored in as negative compensation (just how negative depends on your own personal preference, but in my experience that kind of grind tends to wear people down.) 

PJ

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1427
  • Age: 53
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #47 on: November 27, 2012, 10:00:40 PM »
If I had to do it again... I would skip university altogether and become a plumber or welder. I would work in the mining industry and make 120k/year to start by working my ass off. If that was too extreme, I'd be a plumber or welder in a nice city and make 60k to start, and live next to a college and take 1 course per semester in whatever I felt like, primarily to make college friends and meet girls.

What I did was get a Geotechnical Engineering degree, where I make 120k to start in the mining industry (or 60k in a cushy job in a nice city) after 5 years of school.

Clearly, alternate reality welder me is light years ahead of actual me. With 5 years of extra savings, job experience, and 50k less in tuition bills.

But it's not all bad. I can't even imagine how alternate reality Bachelors of Political Science me feels right now.  ;)
 
Agree with okits ... this is one of the funniest posts I've read in these forums.  Perhaps alternate reality English Major you has a flourishing career as a humour writer?  Or alternate reality drama major is making a killing doing stand-up comedy?

Gerard

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1570
  • Location: eastern canada
    • Optimacheap
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #48 on: November 28, 2012, 05:58:34 AM »
Quote
But I accept that there are two main paths -- do something you like that teaches you to think, and then figure out your own FI path; or do something you quite possibly don't like, and do it (at school and work) for as short a time as possible to build up a big enough FI fund.
Those are a totally false dichotomy. There are plenty of well-paying careers that teach you to think, and plenty of likable careers that pay well.

Besides, it doesn't really matter how jobs pay -- Jacob lives on like four dollars a year, and I saved over half my Americorps pay. What matters is how low you're willing to trim your expenses in order to retire.

They're more like endpoints of a spectrum or two squares of a four-square matrix, I guess. But I do think it's useful to think in the terms I laid out, as many people making choices are going to have a more-money option and a more-satisfaction option. I'm lucky enough to have done degrees in stuff I really like and to have managed to land a decent-paying job, but I do think there's a "misery premium" built into some degrees and professions.

And I totally agree that's it's more about the saving than the degree. Starting with how you pay for the degree in the first place.

EngGirl

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 45
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario
Re: Best Mustachian Undergraduate Degree?
« Reply #49 on: November 28, 2012, 06:52:20 AM »
I went with mechanical engineering, specializing in power generation. It's working well for me, especially because I went for a (relatively) cheap Canadian engineering degree. Four year degree, around $28k. At the big energy company here, you make $65k starting, and the average engineer makes around $165k by the 10 year mark (pretty good for Canada).

I agree with many of the posts suggesting that you should factor enjoyment into your decision. I personally am very inspired by power generation because it has a HUGE impact on the carbon footprint of our society. Getting involved means that I can really do something to help the environment. I love it so much that I don't want to retire (for now).