Applied Research Assignment

BY: ANNE SCHERER

Human Resource Assistant(No Graduate School)

Winston-Salem, NC Atlanta, GA

Gross Pay $24,080 $23,870

Net Pay $18,470.14 $18,165.68

Monthly Net Income $1,539.18 $1,513.81

I would be making more money in Winston-Salem and the cost of living is cheaper in Winston so overall I would have more spending power in Winston-Salem than I would in Atlanta.

BudgetWinston-Salem, NC Atlanta, GA

Housing $570 (Sherwood Station) $550 (The Darlington)

Groceries $309.24 $277.99

Gas +Car Insurance $250 $300

Utilities Included Included

Entertainment $100 $150

Cell Phone/ Internet $80 $80

Health Insurance $50 $50

Total 1,359.24 $1407.99

Remaining $179.94 $105.82

I would want to save left over money both for the long-term future and for other unforeseen expenses that are not shown in this budget.

Graduate School Cost

Winston-Salem, NC Atlanta, GA

School /ProgramWake Forest/ Dual Degree M.Div.

and Masters in CounselingMercer University/ Masters in

Counseling

Graduate School Cost $35,364 total $6,300/semester

% Subsidized 75% 0%

Actual Cost per year $8,841 $12,600

Program Length 4 2

Total Cost $35,364 $25,200

• I would go to graduate school to get some kind of master’s degree in order obtain the required licensing to be a counselor in the respective state.

• I am not sure exactly how much I would be subsidized based on financial aid and scholarships. In order to get an exact cost, I would actually need to apply to the program.

• Potential Job Options: Minister, School Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Abuse Counselor, Marriage and Family Counselor

Post- Graduate SchoolClinical, Counseling, School Psychologist

Winston-Salem, NC Atlanta, GASalary $40,670 $39,970

Net Pay $30,274.66 $29,631.16 Monthly Net Income $2,522.88 $2,469.26

• I would be making more in Winston-Salem than I would be in Atlanta, GA but my student loans are less by going to Mercer in Atlanta, GA than by going to Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC.

• I would be making a significant amount more by getting by graduate degree and it would be a shift in career. So when making my decision, it is not only a salary difference but a career difference.

Choice:

I would chose to get a master’s degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA because it would take less time and be more cost effective even without any

financial aid or scholarships.

I would then work as some kind of psychologist in Atlanta, GA even though I would make a little less. I would be licensed in the right state and I want to live in

Atlanta, a big city, more so than a smaller town like Winston-Salem.

As I actually search for graduate school and job options beyond Wake graduation I will consider more than two schools in order to get the perfect program and

apply to more than two jobs.