Master’s Degree With Best Return On Investment

Master Of Science In Computer Science

A masters degree in computer science, especially one with a concentration in software engineering/development, teaches aspiring computer program creators how to construct modern, advanced software that has the potential to impact any number of industries. Based on the application of scientific and engineering principals to the creation of new software systems, these types of programs allow graduates to enter their field with the abilities and knowledge needed to thrive.

Top careers for Master of Science in Computer Science graduates include:

Software Developer

Growth by 2030: 22 percent

Understandably, a masters degree in software development is applied most cohesively to a career as a software developer. Individuals in these positions work closely with computer programmers to create technical systems on which the programs we use daily operate. Developers are in charge of determining a products core software functionality so that it gets designed properly and performs as intended. Individuals looking to advance in this field often go on to become information technology project managers, in which they oversee the creation of the software rather than handle the steps themselves.

Save The World With A Degree In Humanities And Social Sciences

Its a broad category, but an equally rewarding one. Graduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences fields prep you for a variety of careers. From teaching to politics to counselors, people with degrees in this area do good and get a lot accomplished in the process. And when it comes to salaries, well thats not too shabby either. Some quick stats include:

• A political science career will average you around $58k, with an upwards limit of about $112k.
• Government salaries can range depending on specific field and federal or state, but generally expect to earn anywhere from $33k to $123k.
• Help people and your financial self with a career as a therapist where compensation can range from $20k to $60k
• Take the counseling up a notch with a career as a psychologist and you can expect to make up to $117k in your field

University Of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers 47 master’s programs, which include a variety of information technology, biotechnology, management, and communication degrees. The school’s options also include military-online master’s specializations, such as management degrees in Air and Space Strategic Studies or Joint Military Strategy.

All online courses are offered on a flexible, asynchronous schedule through the e-platform myLeo, with several resources for online students, such as digital libraries, tutoring, and a writing center. Some hybrid courses may be available for certain programs that require in-person learning. Students may apply for military benefits, financial aid, and payment plans to finance their degrees. Further online resources include a writing center and remote tutors.

Students applying to a UMGC master’s degree will need to submit an admissions application, a non-refundable fee, and proof of a bachelor’s degree. Specific master’s degrees may further require additional documentation.

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How Can An Online Mba Be A Best Value

The online MBA might be the highest-value option for graduate students who wish to study full-time while holding a workforce title. Existing business professionals will not find a more flexible way to earn an MBA without sacrificing hours at work or other, more personal responsibilities and commitments. An online MBA fuses online collaboration and instruction with offline research and reading, giving self-disciplined students a way to self-teach and complete their programs in less time. This can also boost affordability.

Texas Womans University Denton Texas

BBA in Human Resource Management

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $305,000 in-state and $264,000 out-of-stateThe cheap BBA in HR Management from Texas Womans University is both SHRM approved and ACBSP accredited. The Economist Magazine named TWU 2nd in the state for adding value to a students earning potential, contributing to its high ROI. HR Management courses cover areas like compensation, labor management relationships, training and development, and employment staffing. Students have access to the Career Connections Center which provides career planning services and networking opportunities for both students and alumni. A team of Outreach and External Relations staff work with the Career Center to keep students current on employment opportunities and networking events.

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Wright State University Dayton Ohio

Human Resource Management, BSB

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $295,000 in-state and $262,000 out-of-stateWright State University features a best value BSB in HR management for students who want to make a positive contribution to an organization by finding, hiring, and developing their talent. Students can help maximize their ROI by completing field experiences and HR projects with local organizations. Cheap HR Management courses cover areas like compensation and benefits, HR management, legal aspects of the workplace, and staffing. All students complete a capstone focused on timely and important issues for HR professionals. An optional internship is available for students who could benefit from additional field experience.

The Roi Of Higher Education: Why A Graduate Degree Is Worth It

Weve all seen the headlines: countless studies addressing the ballooning cost of college and the American student loan crisis. Recently, the cost of higher education and student debt received even more attention with the unveiling of President Bidens student debt relief plan. A lot of these conversations center around undergraduate education but the numbers look just asalarming for graduate school: graduate students comprise only 25% of those with student loansbut they owe around 50% of all student debt.

With all of this, its easy to think both postsecondary education isnt worth it anymorethat the cost is too high and the return on investment is too low. But, despite the unsettling statistics and alarmism about the future of higher education, college is still overwhelmingly worth it.

Previously, weve covered why the ROI of an undergraduate degree justifies the investment. Read on in this article, to discover why the ROI of a graduate degree definitely pays off.

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Lamar University Beaumont Texas

Bachelors Degree in HR Management

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $400,000 in-state and $364,000 out-of-stateThe Department of Management, Marketing and Human Resources at Lamar University features a top value Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources covering the recruitment, selection, maintenance and development of an organizations talent. Students have in-class opportunities to work with a variety of business organizations in hands-on projects. Training on industry recognized software programs give students the tech skills needed to management projects and complete data analysis. Graduates of this top ROI degree program have found success working for leading companies like T Mobile, Chase Bank, and Enterprise Rental Car.

Is Grad School Worth It Only Sometimes

Most students who attend graduate school say theyre pursuing another degree to advance their careers. But despite the fact that financial value is their primary concern, a stunning share of graduate degrees do not yield a positive return. Two in five masters degrees show negative ROI, along with 14 percent of doctoral and professional degrees. Some graduate degrees pay off, but strong financial returns are far from universal.

The estimates of graduate school ROI presented in this report can help students decide whether pursuing a graduate degree is right for them. For many career fields, a masters degree can be helpful. But for others, it is a distraction at best and a career impediment at worst. While students often assume that more education always translates into higher earnings, that relationship breaks down at the graduate level.

The ROI estimates for all 14,000 graduate degrees are available for . The results also offer some broad takeaways for students and other higher education stakeholders:

The value of a masters degree depends on field of study.Masters degrees arent always a good investment. Some fields, such as computer science, engineering, and nursing, usually boost their graduates earnings enough to justify the cost. But other masters degrees, especially in the arts and humanities, are almost never worth the costs. These credentials may even reduce lifetime earnings.

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Oakland University Rochester Hills Michigan

Bachelors in HR Management

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $344,000 in-state and $293,000 out-of-stateThe top value bachelors in HR management from Oakland University is just one of three HR programs in the state accredited by the SHRM. The cheap HRM program emphasizes hands-on experience through a capstone that consists of either a portfolio project or internship . Students in this AACSB accredited program make industry connections through guest lectures, case-based classroom assignments, on-campus recruiting events, and student organizations. Students can feel confident in getting a high ROI on their education, 97% of recent HR grads found a job in the field or enrolled in grad school within a year of graduation.

American Public University System

The American Public University System has 47 online master’s degree programs. There are several options in nursing, education, information technology, and business, among others. Each program is designed for full-time students to finish in around two years. Most require 36 to 48 credits, while others may require the completion of 60 credits .

APUS uses MyClassroom as its online learning platform, where students can study asynchronously. Interaction with course instructors occurs through message boards, visual presentations, and videos. Students can access their grades, test scores, and all others messages through an online portal. Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid. Financial aid advisors are available, along with career coaching and services through the school’s website.

Prospective students may apply for enrollment online without a fee. They must also meet their degree’s admissions requirements. An admissions representative is available for online students.

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The University Of Texas At San Antonio San Antonio Texas

B.B.A. Degree in Management-HRM Track

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $282,000 in-state and $244,000 out-of-stateThe University of Texas at San Antonio offers a great value BBA in management with a program track in HR management. Inexpensive HR courses cover areas like performance management, managing teams and avoiding conflict, staffing organizations, and compensating employees. Scholarships are available through the College of Business to help keep cost affordable and allow for a high return on investment. Internships for academic credit help students exercise their skills and prepare for a successful career in HR.

Are There Different Values For Different Types Of Mbas

After assessing the tuition rates, degree quality, and projected return on investment associated with an MBA degree in the abstract, business school researchers will need to consider the value of a specific kind of degree. Whether its an online version of general MBA classes, an executive MBA program, or something else altogether, the many options offered to graduate students all have a different value proposition that is ultimately based on their content, location, focus, and return on investment within various occupations.

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Ferris State University Big Rapids Michigan

Bachelors Degree HR Management

School Profile20 Year Net ROI: $332,000 in-state and $307,000 out-of-stateAnother great school offering a high ROI and a cheap bachelors in HR management is Ferris State University. This well-rounded, high value HR Management degree program includes business courses in accounting, computer information systems, finance, and international business. Key HR courses cover areas like employment law, negotiation, and recruitment and selection. This ACBSP accredited program is taught by professional teachers, not grad students. Class size is intentionally kept small so professors can focus on their students and prepare them for a successful future in HR.

Management Sciences And Quantitative Methods

• Average debt: $40,426
• Average salary within two years of leaving school: $87,924
• Average monthly debt-to-income ratio: 5.9%

Calling all numbers nerds: This degree will prepare you to collect, analyze and manage data to help businesses and organizations solve problems. Youll be able to work as an actuary, financial analyst, insurance underwriter, or as a statistician, which is one of the fastest-growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Graduate Degrees: Which Pay Off The Best

A masters or other advanced degree can come with a heavier financial burden than that for undergrads, and doesnt necessarily guarantee a career with a higher salary. WSJ reporter Andrea Fuller joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how students can prepare for that financial responsibility, and which graduate degrees offer the best return on investment.

Full Transcript

This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated.

J.R. Whalen: Here’s Your Money Briefing for Thursday, April 28th. I’m J.R. Whalen for The Wall Street Journal. We’re continuing our week-long look at student debt and what students and their families should think about before taking out a college loan. Now, that calculus around financial aid isn’t just limited to undergraduate study. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the financial side of getting a graduate degree.

Andrea Fuller: These programs are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to burdensome student debt. Master’s degree programs are by a lot of universities considered cash cows, meaning they bring in a lot of money.

Andrea Fuller: Thanks for having me.

J.R. Whalen: So Andrea, I think it’s always been pretty widely assumed that a graduate degree automatically meant a higher salary, but the statistics tell a different story.

J.R. Whalen: So I guess the question is how often does a master’s degree or a graduate degree actually pay off?

Which Masters Degree Is Right For Me

You should think about your interests, career goals, and resources as you decide which masterâs program to pursue. The three most popular fields of study for masterâs degrees are business, education, and health. Over half of the masterâs degrees awarded between 2018 and 2019 were in those areas, and each shows faster-than-average job growth rates, according to BLS .

There are a number of masterâs degrees to choose from, but the most common tend to be:

• Master of Arts : A graduate-level degree typically for students interested in the arts, humanities, and social sciences

• Master of Science : A graduate-level degree typically for students interested in tech, natural sciences, and mathematics

• Master of Business Administration : A graduate-level degree for students interested in business and management

• Master of Public Health : A graduate-level degree for students interested in protecting and improving health in communities

• Master of Library and Information Science : A graduate-level degree for students interested in becoming a librarian, archivist, or curator

• Master of Education : A graduate-level degree for students interested in becoming educational administrators

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Is A Masters Degree Right For Me

To answer that question, itâs good to think about what you hope to accomplish with a masterâs degree and the resources you have to get one.

Questions to ask before starting a masterâs program:

• What are my goals?

• Can a masterâs degree help me achieve them?

• Do I have the time to dedicate to earning a masterâs degree?

• Am I prepared to take on the additional work of graduate school?

• Can I afford the cost of attending a masterâs program?

• Am I comfortable taking out loans if I canât cover the cost out of pocket?

• Do I have a plan in place to repay those loans?

These questions will help you assess your specific situation and whether a master’s degree is the best decision for your future needs, plans, and goals.

The World Needs More Graduate Degree

The massive wage gaps between college graduates and non-college graduates demonstrates the vital importance of these educated workers to our world. Thus, pursuing a graduate degree is a way for you to make moneybut its also a way for you to hone your skills to effectively engage in our economy.

This is because the American economy is no longer an agricultural or industrial economy that needs physical skills and labor. According to a Georgetown University study of the American labor market for the next decade, we are an information and services economy that primarily emphasizes skills like judgment/decision-making, communications, analysis, and administration. As a result, highly-skilled, college-educated labor has become the norm, with over 65% of American jobs requiring some college education. This trend will only accelerate. In such a world, deeper analysis, hyper-specialization, and writing skillskey competencies taught in graduate schoolwill become higher and higher in demand.

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Analyzing The Best Masters Degrees

Many available resources list the highest-paying jobs in the country or an individual industry. As an educational institution, weve decided to break the data down even further. By analyzing the degrees that correlate with the highest-paying careers, alongside data on salary and projected job growth, weve established a list of the eight masters degrees with the highest salary potential in America.

Petroleum Mining And Mineral Engineering

With the oil boom in North Dakota, American oil companies are in dire need of engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this career field will grow by 15 percent over the next decade. Unlike some academic fields, it only takes four years to accomplish this program. Like most engineering specialties, it requires individuals who have strong analytical and mathematical skills. Since most of the petroleum-related jobs are in North Dakota, Alaska, Texas, California, and Louisiana, students may have to move to find work in this field.

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The Return On Investment For Business Degrees

Title: The Most Popular Degree Pays Off: Ranking the Economic Value of 5,500 Business Programs at More Than 1,700 Colleges

Anthony P. Carnevale, Emma Wenzinger, Ben Cheah

cGeorgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

A degree in business is one of the most popular choices at all levelsassociates, bachelors, and masters. A new report from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce utilized College Scorecard data as of March 1, 2022 to investigate returns on investments on business degrees for over 1,700 institutions, from program choice to post-grad occupation.

The authors calculated earnings by subtracting the median annual debt payment for that program, as high debt payments can offset the value of annual income and determined that different programs, majors, occupations, and intersecting social identities can lead to highly variable annual earnings.

Key findings from this report include:

To read more about net earnings of different programs, majors, and occupations, click here. To access some resources related to business degree pathways, click here.

Erica Swirsky