Don’t go into debt for some dumb master’s degree. Too many of those already.

Substitute teacher.

I would try and move up within your university first and then use the tuition benefit. Look on LinkedIn or ask people what they did to get where they are. Degrees are important and some require PhDs but normally it’s about hard work.

Have you been promoted at all? Try and get a promotion or move to get e better role. Unfortunately many universities are in hiring freezes right now or just hiring for emergency roles.

Also as someone else said look within programs or schools at universities. Some pay better than others. I knew someone who went from a Director at undergrad level to some kind of Director but at an engineering school. The engineering program paid more.

Anonymous wrote:Airline pilot

You need passion in the field. I think you can fake enjoying working as a nurse, but you can't fake enjoying landing a plane

Anonymous wrote:I assume you're shopping degrees as part of your tuition benefit, right? If so, cool. If not, don't pay for it.

An MBA is a good bet. So is an EdD if you want to move up in higher ed. Lots of higher ed admin jobs that pay $150 or more and might be friendly to remote work (but get out of res life or teaching and learning for that benefit).

You could also pivot to curriculum design with an EdD.

Yes EdDs are everywhere but honestly I feel many are not the best degrees. There are tons of online or partial online ones and I know two people
who got that degree from a reputable (and one Ivy) PT and both programs sounded imo bogus and basically as long as you pay you’ll get the degree! I don’t feel EdDs mean as much as they once did.

Look at people at your university at higher positions and their degrees. Ask to chat with colleagues. Do you attend events at your university to listen and network? Do you like your boss? Talk with them and tell them you would like to continue to grow and see what they say/ if they are supportive/ have ideas.

I know many people in higher ed. Have you been promoted in your current position? Can you change to another department or school?

Maybe also look in certificates in AI if your university is doing work with that or opening an AI center.

You can look at the university centrally or also at schools/ programs that pay more. Sometimes that is at a business, law, or medical school. Look at centers. Try and get a promotion, that looks good on your resume.

Maybe move into advancement/ development. You can learn a lot and either stay in higher ed or pivot to non profit sector.

A good friend was an associate dean in an undergrad university setting but was being paid 5 figures. This department inflated the titles. They moved to a school within the university and have a different title (some would deem not as prestigious but titles not inflated) and is getting paid around $150k now. So do your research some places you might have a “better title” but paid less salary so you need to decide what’s better for you.

Also, everyone I know making 6 figure salaries in higher ed work long hours. Sometimes it’s 9-5 but then you’ll have night work, weekend work, etc. they all have worked vacations or had to cancel them! So take that into consideration too.