Earning a graduate degree can be a significant financial investment. But if you're looking to maximize your earnings potential, one of these high-paying fields is worth considering. These are the five most lucrative graduate degrees in the United States, from medicine to business.
Doctor of Medicine
Unsurprisingly, doctors top the list when it comes to high-paying graduate degrees. A typical doctor earns a six-figure salary, which only goes up for doctors with specialized training or who own their practice. If you're interested in becoming a doctor, be prepared for a long road ahead; medical school typically lasts four years, followed by three to seven years of residency. But the earnings potential is more than worth the investment.
MBA
A master's degree in business administration is another way to earn a high income after graduation. MBAs are typically two years in length and cover topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and strategy. An MBA can lead to various careers, from investment banking to management consulting. And while salaries vary depending on the field, MBA graduates earn an average starting salary of $105,000.
For students interested in a career in law, a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree is the way to go. JD programs typically take three years to complete and cover courses like constitutional law and contracts. An LLM is a specialized law degree obtained after earning a JD; programs last one to two years and allow students to focus on a particular area of law, like tax or environmental law. Lawyers with a JD or LLM earn an average starting salary of $160,000.
PharmD
A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is another option for students interested in healthcare but who want to commit to something other than the long hours and intensive training required of doctors. Pharmacists dispense medication and offer advice on everything from drug interactions to side effects. They also play an essential role in patient care, working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients get the best possible treatment. The average starting salary for pharmacists is $129,000.
DNP
Rounding out our list is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This terminal nursing degree prepares nurses for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles like nurse practitioner and nurse midwife. DNPs typically take three to four years to complete and include health policy and evidence-based practice coursework. APRNs with a DNP earn an average starting salary of $109,000 annually. Earning potential is more than worth it.
Conclusion
If you want to make a lot of money after college, check out the top five highest-paying graduate degrees in America. With salaries averaging over $100,000 per year, these degrees can help you start your career on the right foot and achieve financial stability sooner rather than later. Have you decided on what degree you want to pursue? Check out our list and find the best fit for your future career aspirations!
Contributed By Sana Mubashar
I am Sana a fulltime freelance content writer. With 4+ years’ experience and 600+ international clients I am working on different freelancing platforms. My area of expertise are Website landing page, Copy writing, Blog post writing, Affiliate Writing, Product review, Press release and other type of writing.
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