Choosing to add a degree later in life is a major life decision. It often involves taking oneself out of the workforce for a significant period of time in the hopes of returning later. The motivations for such an attempt can be diverse, even for those looking at obtaining the same degree.

Enrollment in MBA courses has shot up with the current economic downturn. Many business schools across the nation, and around the world, are reporting increasing enrollment as people who have lost their jobs seek more education.

"Typically when you see increases in unemployment, people go back to school," Dave Wilson, president and CEO of the Graduate Management Admissions Council, told CNN.

Students interviewed by the news organization expressed some trepidation that the risk involved in giving up a solid job they already had was a wise decision, but were optimistic.

"It makes sense to give yourself more skills, more knowledge and help yourself become competitive," Alex O'Brien, a former marine officer turned real estate investor said to CNN. "In two years, if the economy is still down, you want to be as competitive as possible."