Is a Master’s Degree Right for You?

Not sure if you’re ready – or even need – a master’s degree? Our quick self-check tool can help you reflect on your goals, timeline, and career path.

Advice from the OMD Experts

No matter what questions you have or roadblocks you’re facing, our experts have seen it all. From tackling admissions to writing your dissertation, they’ve shared their best advice in our student guides. Check out a few of their top insights to help you move forward with confidence.

A woman with dark hair and a gray sweater smiles while looking at the camera, set against a plain light pink background.

Cindy Chanin

Graduate Admissions Consultant

“The graduate school transfer process can no doubt be challenging, but planning ahead and formulating a strategy can help ease the burden of transferring.”
Read More
A woman with short brown hair, wearing a navy blazer over a blue top, smiles at the camera against a light blue background.

Emily Walker

Graduate Writing Center Director

“My dissertation director told me that ‘the only good dissertation is a done dissertation.’ That’s my advice: just do it.”
Read More
A smiling man with short light hair, glasses, and a beard wearing a black t-shirt, standing in front of a solid beige background.

Dr. Dustin Goltz

Communications Professor & Expert

“We need to understand the limitations of online communication and work to bypass them when needed.”
Read More
A man with light brown hair, trimmed beard, and blue eyes, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and polka-dot tie, standing against a plain beige background.

Jon Morgan

CEO, Venture Smarter

“To increase their chances of landing assistantships, students should strengthen academics, gain relevant experience, and clearly define their career goals.”
Read More
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark blazer and blue top, smiles while looking down. She is wearing star-shaped earrings, and the background is a solid light pink.

Melanie Hanson

Editor in Chief, Education Data Initiative

“Choosing a field with strong employment prospects, like medicine, engineering, or business, is essential to your long-term financial success.”
Read More
A person with short hair, wearing glasses and hoop earrings, smiles at the camera against a solid light pink background.

Sheila Johnston

Teacher & Education Advocate

“The sky is the limit for you. Mistakes are stepping stones to success because they build a platform to help us reach our goals.”
Read More

Which Program is Right for You?

With so many options available, finding the right master’s program for you can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re focused on flexibility, speed, cost, location, or career fit, we’re here to help you compare your options and zero in on what matters most. Start narrowing down your search and move one step closer to finding the right degree for you.


Degrees that Fit Your Life

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

The value of a master’s degree goes far beyond just a bigger paycheck, though that is part of the story. From higher earnings and stronger job security to personal growth and career flexibility, the ROI can show up in many ways. Explore the numbers and see how a master’s can pay off for you.

Earnings Premium

Two comparison cards showing annual earnings: $80,200 for a Master's degree and $66,600 for a Bachelor's degree. Each card has an icon of a money bag above the figures.
Line graph comparing median lifetime earnings: blue line for master’s degree (3.2 million) is consistently higher than red line for bachelor’s degree (2.8 million); background gradient matches line colors.
About the Data

In 2022, full-time workers age 25-34 with a master’s degree earned a median $80,200 annually — roughly 20% higher than the $66,600 median for those with a bachelor’s degree. Over a lifetime, the gap adds up: median lifetime earnings are about $3.2 million for a master’s graduate, compared to $2.8 million for a bachelor’s-only grad.

Career & Job Preparation

Two circular progress charts: the top shows "72% Master's" with a blue ring and a "Very Useful" label; the bottom shows "47% Bachelor's" with a red ring.
About the Data

In a 2024 Pew survey, 72% of adults with a postgraduate degree said their education was “very useful” in preparing them for a well-paying job – a much higher share than the 47% of those whose highest degree was a bachelor’s.

Graduate Satisfaction

Three labeled pie charts: 39% Strongly Agreed (blue), 41% Agreed (purple), 20% Disagreed (red). Each chart is partially filled and has a corresponding icon above it.
About the Data

Despite the costs, most graduates feel their advanced education was worthwhile. A 2022 survey of U.S. college alumni (age 25 and up) found that 39% strongly agreed and 41% agreed their higher education was worth the investment.

Starting Salary Advantage

Bar chart comparing the average salary premiums for master's vs. bachelor's degrees in three categories: Overall, Legal Studies (73%), and Communications Tech (65%); master's degrees have higher premiums.
About the Data

For the Class of 2021, master’s degree holders had an average starting salary about 22.5% higher than bachelor’s graduates. Some fields see especially large pay bumps: for example, master’s grads in legal studies earned ~73% more in starting salary than those with only a bachelor’s, and communications technology majors saw a ~65% premium.

How Can You Pay for a Master’s Degree?

Master’s degrees can be a big investment. But it doesn’t have to be out of reach. From scholarships and assistantships to employer tuition reimbursement and smart budgeting, there are more ways to tackle the cost of your degree than you might think. Explore your options and get prepared to reach your goals without stretching your wallet

Understand the Costs

Scholarships

Budget, Budget, Budget

Student Success: From Admissions to Graduation

Whether you’re preparing your application, navigating coursework, or getting ready to walk across the graduation stage, OMD is here to help you. Learn what success looks like at every stage and get practical advice you can start using today.

Admissions

Student Life

Graduation

Where Can a Master’s Degree Take You?

Whether you’re aiming for a higher salary, a leadership role, or a whole new career path, our career guides can help you see what’s possible with the right degree on your resume. Explore where your education can lead you.