--- title: Is Getting a PhD Worth It? description: Struggling to decide if getting a PhD is worth it? If you’re considering getting a PhD, understand your motivations before committing to a program. image: https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/Blog%202026/Young%20phd%20student%20studying%20writing%20final%20paper%20for%20exam%20at%20university.%20Working%20man%20at%20office%20desk%20typing%20at%20desktop%20computer%20in%20library%20room.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - Prospective Students Show submenu for Prospective Students - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students) - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered) - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application) - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts) - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu) - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines) - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources) - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants) - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit) - Current Students Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students) - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies) - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships) - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation) - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center) - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development) - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations) - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services) - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards) - Events Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events) - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar) - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week) - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation) - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development) - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days) - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis) - Funding Show submenu for Funding - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding) - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - Postdoctoral Affairs Show submenu for Postdoctoral Affairs - [Postdoctoral Affairs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs) - [Postdoctoral Community & Resources](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoctoral-community) - [Hiring Process](https://www.smu.edu/moody/postdoctoral-affairs/hiring-process) - GOCE Show submenu for GOCE - [GOCE](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce) - [Our Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/programs) - [Online Program Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/online-program-development) - [Faculty and Curriculum Committees](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/faculty) - [About Global, Online and Continuing Education](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/goce/contact-us) - [Blog](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field) - Prospective Students Show submenu for Prospective Students - [Prospective Students](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students) - [Degrees Offered](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/degrees-offered) - [Policy: AI Usage on SMU Graduate Application](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/ai_usage_statement_grad_application) - [Admissions Contacts](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/admissions-contacts) - [Graduate Admissions Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-smu) - [Graduate Application Deadlines](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Prospective-Students/Application-Deadlines) - [Graduate School Resources](https://grad.smu.edu/graduate-school-resources) - [International Applicants to Master's and Doctoral Programs](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/international-applicants) - [Plan a Visit to SMU](https://www.smu.edu/moody/prospective-students/plan-a-visit) - Current Students Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students) - [Forms and Policies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/forms-and-policies) - [Graduate Fellowships and Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/external-fellowships) - [Graduation Guidelines and Requirements](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduation) - [Graduate Writing Center](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-writing-center) - [Career Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/career-development) - [Graduate Student Organizations](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-organizations) - [Student Services and Support](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/student-services) - [Graduate Student Teaching Awards](https://www.smu.edu/moody/current-students/graduate-student-teaching-awards) - Events Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events) - [Events Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/events-calendar) - [Research and Innovation Week](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-and-innovation-week) - [Orientation](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/orientation) - [Professional Development](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/professional-development) - [Research Days](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/research-days) - [Three Minute Thesis](https://www.smu.edu/moody/events/three-minute-thesis) - Funding Show submenu for Funding - [Funding](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding) - [Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - [News](https://www.smu.edu/news) Show submenu for News - [News](https://www.smu.edu/news) - [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/) Show submenu for Events - [Events](https://calendar.smu.edu/) - [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/) Show submenu for Athletics - [Athletics](https://smumustangs.com/) - [Research](https://www.smu.edu/research) Show submenu for Research - [Rese](https://www.smu.edu/research) - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) Show submenu for Bush Center - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) Show submenu for Current Students - [Current Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) Show submenu for Alumni - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) Show submenu for Faculty & Staff - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) [All Posts](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field) # Is Getting a PhD Worth It? [Ph.D. Program Info](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/ph-d-program-info) April 24, 2026 ![Young phd student studying writing final paper for exam at university. Working man at office desk typing at desktop computer in library room.](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/Blog%202026/Young%20phd%20student%20studying%20writing%20final%20paper%20for%20exam%20at%20university.%20Working%20man%20at%20office%20desk%20typing%20at%20desktop%20computer%20in%20library%20room.jpeg) Perhaps you’re finishing up a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or maybe you’ve hit a wall in your career. Now you’re wondering: *Should I get a PhD? Is this the best choice for my career and personal goals in the long run? Is the investment really worth it?* The short answer is: for most people who are serious about research, specialized expertise, or an academic career, yes—a PhD is worth it. The longer answer depends on your field, your goals, how the program is funded, and what you plan to do with your degree. Key takeaways: - A PhD is worth it if you want to lead original research, pursue an academic career, or reach the highest levels of expertise in your field. - Most PhD programs at research universities offer full tuition waivers and a stipend—meaning cost is often lower than that of a master's degree. - A PhD is not the right fit for everyone—and that's okay. Knowing when not to pursue one is just as important. In this blog: - [What Does “Worth It” Actually Mean for a PhD?](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#what-does-worth-it-mean) - [What Are the Career Benefits of a PhD?](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#career-benefits) - [When Is a PhD Not Worth It?](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#phd-not-worth-it) - [Commonly Asked Questions About Getting a PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#commonly-asked-questions) - [So, Is Getting a PhD Worth It? Final Questions to Ask Yourself](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it#is-a-phd-worth-it) ## What Does “Worth It” Actually Mean for a PhD? Before you can answer whether a PhD is worth it, you have to define what "worth it" really means to you. For some people, that's a financial calculation. For others, it's career access, intellectual satisfaction, or the credential itself. Here are the three most common frameworks people use to evaluate a PhD: - **Financial ROI:** Will the degree increase my earning potential enough to justify the time and cost? - **Career access:** Are there roles or positions I can only reach with a PhD? - **Personal fulfillment:** Do I want to spend years doing original research on a topic I care deeply about? All three matter. A PhD is most worth it when you can answer "yes" to at least two of them.   ## Considering ROI: How Much Does a PhD Cost—and Who Pays for It? This is where many people are surprised: at research universities, [PhD students often get paid to study](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/how-phd-students-get-paid). When programs are fully funded, that means: - full tuition waiver - an annual stipend for living expenses - health insurance coverage - research and conference funding At SMU Moody, doctoral students are eligible for [fellowships and stipends](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding), often alongside a full tuition waiver. That changes the financial equation dramatically compared to a self-funded master's degree. Unfunded programs do exist—and they require careful discernment. Before [choosing any PhD offer](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/comparing-admission-offers-and-selecting-your-school), ask explicitly whether the program includes funding, and for how many years.   ## What Are the Career Benefits of a PhD? Alongside the two extra letters you get at the start of your name, there’s a host of career benefits that come with earning a PhD. | Benefit | What It Means for Your Career | | --- | --- | | Credibility and Expert Status | A PhD signals to employers, institutions, and the public that you’ve achieved mastery at the highest academic level. In many sectors, it serves as the standard credential for senior research, leadership, and advisory roles. | | Access to Research and Faculty Careers | If you want to work in a research lab, lead a university department, or contribute to knowledge creation, a PhD is not optional—it’s the entry point. | | Network and Community | PhD programs cultivate close professional communities. Your cohort becomes colleagues, and your advisor often becomes a long-term mentor. | | Intellectual Autonomy | You have the freedom to pursue questions that matter to you. For many graduates, this ownership over their work is one of the most enduring benefits. |   ## When Is a PhD NOT Worth It? Despite what you may think, a PhD is not the right move for everyone. Consider skipping a PhD if: - your career goals don't require research credentials, - you're pursuing it just for a pay bump, - you haven't found a topic you can sustain deep focus on for 5+ years, - the program is unfunded and the debt load would be unsustainable, or - you're using a PhD to delay a career decision rather than advance one. While you need to weigh the [pros and cons of getting a PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/the-pros-and-cons-of-getting-a-phd) against one another carefully, pause if you find yourself in one or more of those categories.   ## Commonly Asked Questions About Getting a PhD - How long does it take to get a PhD? The time commitment required when earning a PhD can be lengthy. On average, PhD programs take around six years to complete. - How much does it cost to get a PhD? PhD programs can require a large financial investment, especially if you don’t have time to work on top of earning your degree. If you’re not in a fully-funded program, the cost of tuition and “lost wages” may be high. However, the financial commitment can be offset by the earning potential of a PhD. On average, PhDs make over $30,000 more annually than those holding only a bachelor’s degree, but keep in mind that number varies between the humanities, business, and science industries. - How hard is it to get a PhD? Earning a PhD can be hard work and requires a significant energy commitment. The good news is you’re not in it alone at SMU. We offer a robust career services office and dedicated [student support services](https://www.smu.edu/Moody/Current-Students/Student-Services) for PhD students, including access to housing resources, counseling, and opportunities to build community connections. - What are the risks of getting a PhD? The main risks include: spending years in a program that isn't funded (costly), choosing a field where the academic job market is thin, struggling to finish the dissertation without strong mentorship, and finding that the credential doesn't deliver the career access you expected. Mitigate these risks by researching funding, placement rates, and faculty mentorship before you commit.   ## So, is a PhD worth it? Final Questions to Ask Yourself Determining if a PhD is worth it is a personal decision for you. In the end, it boils down to asking and answering these simple questions: - Do you have a research question or area of expertise you want to pursue at the deepest level? - Are you targeting roles that require or strongly prefer a PhD? - Can you find a funded program that matches your interests? - Are you prepared for the time commitment of 5–7 years of intensive study? If you answered yes to most of those, a PhD is worth serious consideration**.**   When you’re ready to learn more about doctoral degrees at SMU and find a program to thrive in, explore our free resource—[How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs](https://grad.smu.edu/how-to-get-a-phd-guide?hsCtaTracking=aeb4e03d-f8e9-4232-9726-8852204e83e1%7Cd51ed12b-7ac9-4f49-895b-49250339b1a5). [![Download the Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/aeb4e03d-f8e9-4232-9726-8852204e83e1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/aeb4e03d-f8e9-4232-9726-8852204e83e1) ##### Request *more* ### information Complete the form to reach out to us for more information ###### Written By ![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/smu-favicon.jpeg) [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/author/smu-graduate-studies) ###### Published On April 24, 2026 ## More articles ###### Recommended articles for you [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) ### [5 Bad Reasons Not to Get a PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/5-common-myths-about-phd-programs) Whether or not to pursue a [PhD is worth it](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it) decision, and it’s not unusual to invest time and effort... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/5-common-myths-about-phd-programs) [Student Experience](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/student-experience) ### [5 Tips for Landing Employment Opportunities During and After Graduate School](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/5-tips-for-landing-employment-opportunities-during-and-after-graduate-school) Working towards [getting a doctorate](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-choosing-applying-for-and-thriving-in-a-phd-program) is a huge step in your career journey! You are undoubtedly busy... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/5-tips-for-landing-employment-opportunities-during-and-after-graduate-school) [Funding](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/funding) ### [How to Find PhD Scholarships and Grants](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/how-to-find-phd-scholarships-and-grants) [Paying for a PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/do-phd-students-pay-tuition-unpacking-the-cost-of-a-phd) can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Scholarships... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/how-to-find-phd-scholarships-and-grants) ###### Browse articles by topic [Simmons School of Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/simmons-school-of-education) [Student Experience](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/student-experience) [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) [Ph.D. Program Info](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/ph-d-program-info) [Education, Policy & Leadership](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/education-policy-leadership) [Chemistry](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/chemistry) [Human Centered Interdisciplinary Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/human-centered-interdisciplinary-studies) [Teaching & Learning](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/teaching-learning) [Applied Physiology & Sport Management](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/applied-physiology-sport-management) [Funding](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/funding) [Statistical Science](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/statistical-science) [Alumni Stories](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/alumni-stories) [Electrical and Computer Engineering](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/electrical-and-computer-engineering) [Learning in Dallas](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/learning-in-dallas) [Physics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/physics) [International Students](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/international-students) [Masters Program Info](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/masters-program-info) [Economics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/economics) [Higher Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/higher-education) [History](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/history) [Anthropology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/anthropology) [Civil and Environmental Engineering](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/civil-and-environmental-engineering) [Dispute Resolution](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/dispute-resolution) [English](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/english) [Liberal Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/liberal-studies) [Religious Studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/religious-studies) [School Events](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/school-events) [Announcements](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/announcements) [Biology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/biology) [Data Science and Applied Statistics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/data-science-and-applied-statistics) [Earth Science](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/earth-science) [Education](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/education) [Mathematics](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/mathematics) [Organizational Psychology](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/organizational-psychology) [Sport Management](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/sport-management) --- ##### Subscribe *to* ### *the* Blog --- [Older articles](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/simmons/what-is-a-liberal-studies-graduate-program-how-does-it-work) [Newer articles](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/simmons/what-can-you-do-with-an-edd-in-higher-education-to-influence-change) ##### Academics - [Cox School of Business](https://www.smu.edu/cox) - [Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences](https://www.smu.edu/dedman) - [Dedman School of Law](https://www.smu.edu/law) - [Lyle School of Engineering](https://www.smu.edu/lyle) - [Meadows School of the Arts](https://www.smu.edu/meadows) - [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Perkins School of Theology](https://www.smu.edu/perkins) - [Simmons School of Education & Human Development](https://www.smu.edu/simmons) - [SMU CAPE](https://www.smu.edu/cape) - [SMU Libraries](https://www.smu.edu/libraries) - [SMU Guildhall](https://www.smu.edu/guildhall) ##### Audience Links - [Undergraduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/students) - [Graduate Students](https://www.smu.edu/moody) - [Alumni](https://www.smu.edu/alumni) - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) - [Media](https://www.smu.edu/news) - [Parents](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs) ##### Quick Links - [SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow](https://www.smu.edu/ignited) - [Corporate and Foundation Relations](https://www.smu.edu/corporate-foundation-relations) - [Bush Center](https://www.smu.edu/bushcenter) - [SMU Store](https://smu.bncollege.com/shop/smu/home) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.smu.edu/enrollmentservices/registrar/academiccalendarscoursecatalogs/academiccalendars) - [Academic Ceremonies](https://www.smu.edu/academic-ceremonies) - [Events Calendar](https://calendar.smu.edu/) - [Employment](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/hr/workingatsmu) - [Giving to SMU](https://giving.smu.edu/) - [Virtual Tour](https://www.smu.edu/admission/visit/virtualtour) - [SMU Stories](https://www.smu.edu/stories) ##### Get in Touch - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/contactsmu) - [Maps Directions](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/maps) - [Compliance](https://www.smu.edu/compliance) - [Legal Disclosures](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures) - [Privacy Policy Statement](https://www.smu.edu/legaldisclosures/privacystatement) - [Report Sexual Harassment](https://www.smu.edu/sexualharassment) - [Reporting a Bias Incident](https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/get-help/bert) - [SMU Aware](https://www.smu.edu/aware) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/risk-management/emergency-management-fire-safety) ##### Follow Us - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/smudallas) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/smudallas/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/smudallas/mycompany/) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@smu) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLRmiYkXF2YHOXzIqasjzg) - [X](https://twitter.com/smu/) [![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=140&height=41&name=SMU%20logo.png)](https://smu.edu/) © SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies", "url" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/author/smu-graduate-studies" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-24T14:30:00.577Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-24T14:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Is Getting a PhD Worth It?", "image" : [ "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/Blog%202026/Young%20phd%20student%20studying%20writing%20final%20paper%20for%20exam%20at%20university.%20Working%20man%20at%20office%20desk%20typing%20at%20desktop%20computer%20in%20library%20room.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/is-getting-a-phd-worth-it", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/grad-studies-logo-1.png" }, "name" : "Southern Methodist University" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://3974384.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3974384/MGS/General%20Ph.D.%20PP/Video/phd-explainer-video.mp4", "dateModified" : "2023-04-19T20:25:12.007Z", "description" : "", "duration" : "PT2M21.717S", "height" : 1080, "thumbnailUrl" : "https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/General%20Ph.D.%20PP/Video/phd-explainer-video.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2022-06-28T15:00:29.974Z", "width" : 1920 } ```