If you're a CS student or software engineer: don't go for a grad degree (MS or PhD). Start work right out of college, whether it be at a startup or FAANG. Get some work experience, savings (and stock if you're lucky), you can always go back to higher education later if you want to, and that work experience will be worth it when you do go back.

I understand some might disagree with this advice, but having done a grad degree 10+ years ago, this is what I would advice my younger self.