Study vs Work
Compare the lifetime earnings of continuing to work versus studying for a new qualification.
Enter Your Values
Using shared profile · 3,500/mo · EUR — edit on Dashboard
Results update automatically as you change values.
What-If Scenarios
Results update instantlyCost Breakdown
Study vs Work Lifetime Earnings
Click chart to expand
Side-by-Side Comparison
Bars show relative size · ✓ marks the better option- Total Earnings
- €104,753,253,559,433,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
- Final Salary
- €3,666,363,874,580,169,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
- Total Earnings
- €80,828,127,746,476,410,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
- Final Salary
- €2,828,984,471,126,674,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
| Factor | Keep Working | Study |
|---|---|---|
| Total Earnings | €104,753,253,559,433,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 | €80,828,127,746,476,410,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 |
| Final Salary | €3,666,363,874,580,169,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 | €2,828,984,471,126,674,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 |
The new salary does not exceed current earnings enough to justify study costs.
Scenario Analysis
How the outcome shifts if your assumptions turn out better or worse than expected.
Best-case outcome with favorable assumptions.
Most likely outcome based on your inputs.
Conservative outcome with cautious assumptions.
Compare Scenarios
Pin up to 3 and see them side by sideSet your inputs, then Pin current to save this scenario. Pin a few variations to compare their scores and outcomes here.
What Moves the Needle Most
How much each factor changes your Work Path Total across its full range. Study Years has the biggest impact.
Focus your attention on Study Years — getting it right matters most. Factors lower down move the result less, so rough estimates there are fine.
Confidence & Assumptions
The outcome is fairly stable across best and worst cases — this is a robust decision.
Work Path Total: €104,753,253,559,433,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (worst) → €104,753,253,559,433,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (expected) → €104,753,253,559,433,400,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (best)
These are the estimates the result depends on. Adjust them (and the Advanced inputs) to match your real situation — the closer they are to reality, the more reliable your decision.
These estimates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual results may vary based on factors not captured in this calculator.
How This Calculator Works
What this calculator does
Compare the financial outcome of continuing to work versus investing in further education.
How the calculation works
Calculates total lifetime earnings for both paths including study costs, lost salary, and expected salary increase.
Formula
Study Advantage = Study Path Earnings − Work Path Earnings; Payback = Study Cost / (New Salary − Current Salary)
Example
Studying for 2 years at €25,000 cost to increase salary from €45k to €65k pays back in ~1.25 years.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your numbers
Fill in the inputs for Study vs Work. Defaults are realistic starting points — replace them with your actual figures.
- 2Understand the calculation
Calculates total lifetime earnings for both paths including study costs, lost salary, and expected salary increase.
- 3Review results and scenarios
Check metrics, cost breakdown, comparison tables, and best / expected / worst scenarios. Use sliders to stress-test assumptions.
- 4Decide with the verdict
Read the decision engine recommendation and FAQ. Example: Studying for 2 years at €25,000 cost to increase salary from €45k to €65k pays back in ~1.25 years.
Factors to Consider
- Lost salary during study is the biggest cost
- Not all degrees increase earnings equally
- Consider non-financial benefits of education
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring opportunity cost of lost work years
- Assuming guaranteed salary increase
Frequently Asked Questions
How is payback calculated?+
Study cost divided by the annual salary increase. Does not include lost earnings during study — see total earnings comparison for full picture.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important financial decisions.
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