Yeah, but would grad students come to write code all the time?
The low pay is in exchange for the ability to do research, not to be a discount software engineer.
The low pay is in exchange for the ability to do research, not to be a discount software engineer.
But graduate schooling is still a big opportunity cost, and not to go all Mark Twain, but sometimes that can get in the way of your education.
* Very low pay.
* Good benefits in a nation with poor safety nets.
* Tuition waivers along the lines of $10-100K/year.
* When the Dr. says jump, you ask how high.
If you view education as an investment, it isn't necessarily bad compared to an ordinary job. But it's kind of like a FAANG company; your experience depends on who you report to.