Pursuing a graduate degree comes down to three things: time, money, and need.

Time means giving up a chunk of your life for more classes and homework. Money covers not just the tuition, but also whether your future paycheck justifies the hit. And need? That’s about whether your career actually requires the degree.

As a journalist, I could barely finish my bachelor's degree before driving across the country for an overnight editor job. Three decades later, I find myself looking for the best graduate degree to parlay my freelance business into a healthy and wealthy retirement.  

If you're going all in, let's look at the best graduate majors that have long-term momentum.

Why Salary Matters When Choosing a Graduate Program

It’s not selfish to want a salary that self-sustains, and then pair that desire with the best graduate majors. It’s math. 

If the cost of living rises just 2.5% each year (and let’s be real, it’s often more), a $60,000 salary today would need to be closer to $90,000 by 2040 just to break even. 

Here’s what a high-paying degree can really do for you:

  • Keep up with inflation instead of falling behind it.
  • Cover debt without panic every month.
  • Build a path to higher salaries as you gain experience.
  • Give you options, not just obligations.
  • Build real stability, even when the market wobbles.

You can even look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to see what the fastest-growing occupations will be over the next few years to match demand with your preferred salary range.

Top Highest Paying Graduate Programs

To help with a ballpark salary, the BLS lists $239,000 or higher as the Highest-Paying Occupations, and we're pairing that with the best graduate majors.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Health care is one of the fastest-growing fields as well as the highest-paying nationwide. That comes with a lot of niche elements.

For example, the top doctor, physician, and surgeon jobs pay more than $239,000 a year in 2024. Nineteen of the 20 top-paying jobs require an MD. At the same time, the growth rate is 4%, about average. Plus, the cost of medical school and following residency and internships can be much more expensive than a professional graduate degree. 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Nurse practitioners see a 40% growth rate over the next decade. They bring home about $132,000 a year. Those looking for the top-paying jobs in the field should consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

Physician assistants (PAs) typically earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). That job is expected to grow 28% by 2033 and brings home about $133,000 annually. 

Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM)

Medical and health services managers are the behind-the-scenes operators who keep hospitals, clinics, and care facilities running smoothly. They manage the business of health care. Most people in this role earn a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) or a similar degree, such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or Master of Public Health (MPH) with a management focus.

The growth rate of 29% through 2033 is impressive, as is the median pay of nearly $118,000 a year. 

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

The third-highest paying occupation outside of healthcare as of 2024 is Computer and Information Systems Managers. The best graduate programs for that field are the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), or Master of Information Systems (MIS). 

The average salary is $171,000 a year, and the growth rate is 17%, much higher than average. While you can get into this field with just a bachelor's degree, an advanced degree will help you stand out in a competitive field.  

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

While some people make it to the top executive spot without a master's degree, the MBA is largely known for being the best graduate program investment a budding business leader or entrepreneur can get. 

While the average salary for top executives lists at $105,000, the benefits, stock options, and earning potential can far surpass that. Plus, BLS tells us that the annual CEO salary is about $206,000 as of 2024. 

This position is also growing faster than average, about 6% by 2033. 

Master of Science in Statistics (MS)

If you like working with numbers, get a load of these. Statisticians make the top 5 list of jobs that require a master's degree but also pay the most, while also growing at a rate much faster than average. 

The average salary is $105,000 a year, coupled with an 11% growth rate through 2033. While about half of these jobs are available in the government sector, other workplaces include scientific research centers or big tech companies. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Graduate Program for You

The best graduate majors for you should line up with financial expectations, but also lean into your interests and skill sets. 

For example, I'm bad at math. A master’s in finance wouldn’t just be a chore for me—it’d be a disservice to the university and the math world in general. We all have our lanes.

Consider these elements when looking for the highest-paying graduate programs.

  • Know your strengths. If you're a communicator, lean into business, education, or public health. If you're tech-savvy, explore data science or engineering.
  • Look at job demand, not just job title. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) details the fastest-growing occupations, helping pair a high-paying graduate program with a job of the future.
  • Determine if it’s worth it. Will the degree pay off financially? Will it lead somewhere long-term? Or are you just buying time and debt?

Is Now the Time to Start Your Graduate Program?

Whether you're getting ahead of planning your career or looking to take the next step in education, we can help you find the right path. Appily Advance has simple career quizzes that can help make the decision a bit easier. Choose from business, education, or health care.