A master’s degree usually increases earnings, but the size of the increase depends on the field. Technical and business fields show the largest gains. National averages hide this spread, so research your specific occupation before you decide.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2025 median weekly earnings of $1,876 for full-time workers with a master’s degree, above the $1,578 median for bachelor’s holders and below professional and doctoral degree medians. NACE reports that the starting-salary gap between bachelor’s and master’s graduates has narrowed as employers put more weight on skills.
Costs vary widely by school and program. Add up tuition, fees, and living expenses, then compare against the earnings gain you can realistically expect. Graduate enrollment has grown even as undergraduate enrollment fell, which means more competition among degree holders. Pick a program with a clear link to the jobs you want, and keep costs down where you can with affordable online universities. Review the ROI of a master’s degree, and when you have an offer, salary negotiations can leverage your master’s degree.

