Millions of Americans are facing lay-offs or have already lost their job. How can you secure your future? Many employers now require a graduate degree, not just an undergrad degree. In difficult times, more people consider going to graduate school so they can land a stable, lucrative job. Unfortunately, many don't move forward because they believe one of the four following myths.



Myth #1 – It's too expensive and I can't afford it.

Yes, the cost of education has increased along with everything else in our world. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to get others to pay for your graduate studies so you can earn your degree with minimal personal expense or debt.

• Check with your current employer. Many offer educational benefits.

• Work for the college or university you want to attend. We're not talking about minimum wage or work-study jobs. Get a job in admissions, developments, human resources or other institutional offices and you can earn a salary and benefits that almost always include full or partial tuition coverage.

• Apply for scholarships and fellowship funding. There is more available for grad students than undergrads and it isn't just the educational institutions that offer them. Look into the following options:

* The U.S. Department of Education

* Civic organizations like your local Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club, Elk's Club, Masons, etc.

* Religious organizations

As tuition costs rise, so does funding for scholarships and far more financial help is available than you think. By combining the resources above, you can end up with a very large amount of money. Some of these options come with ‘strings attached' – a method of service or commitment to continuing to work for a period of time after graduation. Fulfilling those obligations will be well worth it.

Myth #2 – I'm too old to go back to school.

Statistics show that, in many institutions, the average graduate student is in his or her mid to late thirties. There is no disadvantage or stigma for going back as an older student. In fact, institutions welcome older students with work and life experience because of the value they add to the discipline being studied and discussions in the classroom. Online, part-time, evening and weekend programs are proliferating in response to the growing number of older students returning to school.

Myth #3 – My undergraduate academic record isn't good enough and I won't get accepted.

Admissions committees don't just look at grades. They look at everything in your application including letters of recommendation, essays, the type of courses you took, internships and work and life experience. Admissions directors are human beings who are looking for reasons to get you in, not reasons to keep you out. The older and further away you are from your college degree, the less important your previous grades will be.

If you still feel your academic record is lacking, take one or two grad courses and get an A. It shows you're serious about your education and demonstrating what you're capable of doing. Then you can say in your application essay, ‘While my undergrad record is not strong, this is an example of the kind of work I do now.' It doesn't matter if your recent courses are at a community college or lesser known university; it's the initiative that shines.

Myth #4 - It isn't worth going unless I get into a top-ranked school or program.

There are tons of examples of people who went to all the top schools yet have failed dismally. Employers know this and when it comes right down to it, they value who you are, what you can bring to the table and the degree itself; not where you attended school. Getting your graduate degree from any institution demonstrates to employers that you have what it really takes to succeed – persistence and determination.

Now that you're over these myths, what's holding you back? Get out there and start on your way to achieving your dreams!