The earnings premium for graduate study is well documented. The National Center for Education Statistics reported median annual earnings of $70,000 for master鈥檚 degree holders, about 26 percent higher than for those with only a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The size of the payoff, however, depends on the field you choose, so it pays to research before you enroll.
Several fields appear near the top of most salary rankings for master鈥檚 degrees. Petroleum engineering, nurse anesthesia, MBA programs with strategy or finance concentrations, engineering management, and computer science are repeatedly cited among the highest-paying graduate fields by salary surveys. Check the master鈥檚 versus bachelor鈥檚 salary comparison to see how the premium varies.
Before choosing a program, compare tuition, job demand, and the careers each degree leads to. If business is your direction, look into the most affordable online MBA programs and MBA programs with scholarships to keep costs down. Pick a field that fits your interests and offers strong long-term prospects.

