Characteristics of agricultural economics alumni from the University of Georgia were discussed anda general linear model was developed to explain differences in bachelors and masters alumni salaries. Graduate education, work experience, resource mobility, gender, family background, and high school size were found to influence alumni salaries. Returns to a masters degree were computed along with capital recovery periods. Assistantship levels, cost of borrowed and human capital, and nonmonetary benefits were relevant in decisions to attend graduate school. Some costs and benefits of graduate education were found to be subjective, to vary across individuais, and to be influenced by prevailing economic conditions.