The 25 highest paying master’s degrees 2024
Advanced Dentistry is the highest paying master’s degree according to the Dept. of Education. Graduates earn a median salary of $202,140.
Engineering, healthcare, computer science, and mathematics are all master’s-level programs that unlock high salaries.
According to the BLS, out of all the jobs that require a master’s degree, nurse anesthetists earn the most, with an average salary of $203,090.
Many people dive into a master’s program expecting that it will get them a higher paying job after graduation. While a master’s degree holder earns $18,312 more on average than someone with only a bachelor’s, some degrees outshine others. A master’s in somatic body work, for example, is unlikely to get you a better salary than whatever you had before.
To help you pick a program that’s worth the money, we list the highest paying master’s degrees. As a bonus, we have also compiled a list of the highest paying master’s-degree-requiring careers, all of which earn more than $100,000 annually.
How much more can I earn with a master’s degree than with a bachelor’s?
Depending on the field, master’s degree holders can earn significantly more than those with just a bachelor’s. The following 5 programs reward you with the biggest income boost from bachelor’s to master’s.
- Allied health and medical assisting services graduates earn an average of 139% more than their bachelor’s counterparts.
- Graduates with a master’s in computer software and media applications earn 99% more on average than someone with a bachelor’s degree.
- On average, people who hold a master’s degree in bioethics or medical ethics earn 89% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
- General business and commerce master’s recipients earn an average of 87% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
- A master’s in teaching English or French as a second or foreign language earns you 77% more than a bachelor’s in that subject.
Our ranking criteria
We analyzed a total of 245 master’s programs to create a list of the best master’s degrees by income. Our list features programs that have more than 100 graduates a year, and unlock an average annual income of $100,000+ just 4 years after graduation.
All earnings averages and program names are taken from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.
Disclaimer: NCES data doesn’t reveal what jobs students are landing to receive this salary. It only shows the degree name and average salary of all degree holders.
Highest paying master’s degrees
| Master’s program | Average earnings |
|---|---|
| 1. Advanced Dentistry and Oral Sciences | $202,140 |
| 2. Operations Research | $151,223 |
| 3. Medical Clinical Sciences & Graduate Medical Studies | $148,397 |
| 4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $136,857 |
| 5. Computer Science | $127,389 |
| 6. Systems Engineering | $125,702 |
| 7. Real Estate | $123,677 |
| 8. Computer and Information Sciences | $119,447 |
| 9. Engineering | $118,309 |
| 10. Electrical Engineering | $115,365 |
| 11. Computer Engineering | $113,699 |
| 12. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $112,597 |
| 13. General Business and Commerce | $112,198 |
| 14. Real Estate Development | $111,723 |
| 15. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment | $111,544 |
| 16. Nursing | $109,272 |
| 17. Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $106,117 |
| 18. Computer Systems Analysis | $104,187 |
| 19. Pharmacy | $104,027 |
| 20. Legal Professions and Studies | $102,190 |
| 21. Finance | $101,649 |
| 22. Engineering-Related Fields* | $101,580 |
| 23. Statistics | $100,495 |
| 24. Aerospace Engineering | $100,126 |
| 25. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $100,021 |
*This includes engineering management, industrial management, engineering design, and packaging science.
Highest paying jobs that require a master’s degree
Because a single degree can open the door to a variety of different jobs, looking at the highest paying master’s degrees alone only tells us part of the story. To tackle the question of what master’s programs unlock the best paychecks from another angle, we have also listed the highest-paying jobs that require a master’s degree.
Note that this data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics rather than the Department of Education, which explains why the lists of jobs and degrees don’t match up one for one.
According to the BLS, the following careers require a master’s degree and earn more than $100,000 a year.
1. Nurse Anesthetists
- Median Salary: $203,090
- Projected growth: 9%
A nurse anesthetist, often abbreviated as CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), is a highly specialized advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia to patients undergoing various medical procedures. They are an integral part of surgical teams.
CRNAs are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a registered nursing license, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. They must also pass a certification exam.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for nurse anesthetists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
2. Industrial-organizational psychologists
- Median Salary: $139,280
- Projected growth: 2%
I-O psychologists bring psychological principles to the business world. They focus on employee behavior in the workplace, improve productivity, evaluate companies, conduct leadership training, and solve problems in the workplace using psychology practices.
Most I-O psychologists don’t work in a clinical setting, so they typically don’t need licensure or consider themselves psychologists. Instead, they need a master’s degree and work in a related area like human resources, consulting, or training and development.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for I-O psychologists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
3. Computer and information research scientists
- Median Salary: $136,620
- Projected growth: 23%
Computer and information research scientists are the innovators of the computing field. They work with computer software and hardware, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics to find innovative ways to design and develop new technologies or refine existing ones.
This demanding role requires a graduate degree in computer science or a related field. During this program, students can choose to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, or other fields that fit with their career aspirations.
Highest paying states
California
$232,210
Oregon
$189,910
Washington
$182,800
Top academic programs for computer and information research scientists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
4. Political Scientists
- Median Salary: $128,020
- Projected growth: 7%
A political scientist studies and analyzes political systems, government policies, and political behavior to gain a deeper understanding of how political processes and institutions operate. They conduct research, gather data, and provide insights into various aspects of politics.
The primary education requirement is a master’s degree in political science or a related field. Some political scientists choose to stop at a master’s degree, but the most common path is a Ph.D.
Highest paying states
District of Columbia
$136,200
California
$134,580
Virginia
$124,840
Top academic programs for political scientists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
5. Physician assistants
- Median Salary: $126,010
- Projected growth: 27%
Physician assistants are trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and offer patient care in various healthcare settings under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system, helping to extend the reach of physicians and improve patient access to medical care.
PAs must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited entry-level PA program; upon graduation they are awarded a master’s degree. Once you’ve completed your master’s program, you need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain licensure.
Highest paying states
Washington
$145,390
California
$144,520
Alaska
$144,520
Top academic programs for physician assistants
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
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6. Nurse practitioners
- Median Salary: $124,680
- Projected growth: 12.7%
Nurse practitioners often provide primary care services, which means they can serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider. Their scope of practice can vary from one location to another, and it can encompass a wide range of specialties, such as family medicine, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, women’s health, psychiatric-mental health, and more.
To become a nurse practitioner, individuals typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), obtain RN licensure, pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), choose a specialization, pass a national certification exam, and obtain state licensure. Education requirements and licensure regulations may vary by location.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for nurse practitioners
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
7. Nurse midwives
- Median Salary: $120,880
- Projected growth: 12.3%
A nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing healthcare services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health. They are known for their focus on promoting a more holistic and patient-centered approach to childbirth and women’s health, with an emphasis on natural childbirth and patient education.
Nurse midwives typically hold a master’s degree in nursing (such as a Master of Science in Nursing – MSN) with a specialization in nurse-midwifery, and they must pass a national certification exam to practice in their role.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for nurse midwives
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
8. Mathematicians
- Median Salary: $112,110
- Projected growth: 3.7%
Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve real world problems. They work in fields such as business, government, engineering, and the sciences. Mathematicians come in many shapes and forms, but they fall under the umbrella of either applied mathematicians or theoretical mathematicians.
They need to have a graduate degree in mathematics to qualify for most high paying positions, but some careers only require an undergraduate degree like being a math teacher.
Highest paying states
Washington
$135,220
New York
$131,920
California
$126,580
Top academic programs for mathematicians
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
9. Economists
- Median Salary: $113,94
- Projected growth: 6%
An economist is a professional who studies and analyzes economic issues, trends, and data to provide insights and advice on various aspects of the economy. They use economic theories, principles, and statistical tools to understand how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions related to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
According to O*Net, 61% of the careers in this field require a doctoral degree, while 30% need a master’s in economics or a related field.
Highest paying states
District of Columbia
$151,850
New York
$144,780
Illinois
$141,460
Top academic programs for economists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
9. Psychologists
- Median Salary: $106,420
- Projected growth: 2%
A psychologist is a trained mental health professional who helps address challenges and improve someone’s mental well-being. They often help people living with specific conditions or those who are going through a tough time in their life. They are experts in assessing human behavior and navigating the complexities of the mind.
There are different branches of psychology, and, correspondingly, many kinds of psychologists. Generally speaking, psychologists need at least a master’s degree in psychology or a related field from an APA accredited program. They must also obtain clinical supervision hours, pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, and get some form of licensure.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for psychologists
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
10. Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
- Median Salary: $106,230
- Projected growth: varies depending on position
Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners are professionals who are trained and licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions and illnesses. These can be acupuncturists, cardiologists, herbologists, medical doctors, and everything in between. Their specific roles and scope of practice may vary by region and healthcare regulations.
Their education requirements also vary greatly: while an aspiring medical doctor will need to go to med school, a speech-language pathologist only needs a master’s in speech-language pathology.
Highest paying states
Virginia
$146,440
Maryland
$144,260
Washington
$130,440
Top academic programs for healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
11. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
- Median Salary: $106,230
- Projected growth: 7.8%
School principals oversee a school’s daily operations, enforce school board regulations, complete teacher evaluations, keep track of student performance, set budgets, and keep schools safe.
They need a master’s degree in education and several years of teaching experience; some states may require additional examinations to qualify.
Highest paying states
Top academic programs for education administrators
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing debt by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual debt is the same as annual earnings.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better.
Does a master’s degree increase your salary?
Nationally, bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $51,088 annually, while master’s degree holders earn $69,400. This doesn’t mean you automatically get paid more because you have a master’s degree, but it can qualify you for more high-paying jobs.
Getting a master’s degree online
Online graduate degrees are especially convenient for working professionals, people over 30, first generation students, and other groups that can only work part time. People often wonder if an online degree is worth it. Our research shows that online colleges cost considerably less (as long as they aren’t for-profit establishments), and they are particularly worthwhile for students interested in an MBA or master’s in computer science.
Not all online degrees are created equal.
Find out which online degrees pay the most – and 10 you definitely want to avoid.
Read now
Is a master’s degree a good investment?
A degree is only a good investment if the graduate’s new earnings make the cost of the degree worthwhile. At the master’s level, business, engineering, healthcare, nursing, and mathematics all unlock high enough earnings after graduation to make the cost of the program worth it.
On the other hand, there are plenty of master’s programs that do not set graduates up for high-paying jobs. The following master’s programs, according to our database, are the worst investments:
- Alternative Medicine
- Culinary Arts
- Neurobiology and Neuroscience
- English Language and Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
FAQ
What are the most in-demand master’s degrees?
If we look at the professions with the most job openings, master’s degrees for nurse practitioners, statisticians, epidemiologists, physician assistants, and computer and information research scientists are the most in-demand.
How much does a master’s degree cost?
While the cost of tuition for a master’s degree varies greatly depending on an individual’s financial need and the institution, the average person takes on $46,029 of debt to pay for one.
What master’s degree pays the most?
The highest earning master’s degree is advanced dentistry and oral sciences, with an average annual salary of $202,140.
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