Don't forget that working towards that degree means focusing on academia, group meetings, etc. that goes towards that goal. With all of that time, concentration, and effort going towards that advanced degree, there isn't much time leftover to nurture a new relationship or keeping the flame exactly where it is in an established relationship. Ultimately, if your S.O. isn't very understanding, s/he will feel slighted, ignored, etc. Isn't that a common reason for a failing relationship? Wouldn't it be better to avoid all of that turmoil by waiting, especially if you already know you won't think twice about focusing your energy on your academic goals and ignoring everything else?
So, to answer your question, no, you don't have to be "accomplished" to be married, but I would rather be in a more stable, comfortable lifestyle. Plus, if I have dated my fair share of men and have determined that not one of them is "The One", it's not an excuse that I'm still happily single in my mid-20s; it's reality.
Maybe I'm an oddball of a sista that's knocking on 27, but marriage is not one of my lifetime goals. If I get married in the future, then it will be a complement to my full, happy existence. If I never get married, then I will look back on my decades and smile because I'll remember that
MARRIAGE DOESN'T EQUAL COMPLETION. To sum it up, marriage is not the end-all to me because I'm just not the kind of woman who must have a man at all times. *insert Dave Chappelle doing Lil Jon:
YEAAAAAAAH!*
