The Value of a Graduate Education
The Value of a Graduate Education
A Graduate Degree Adds Value — a UCF Education Opens Doors
Graduate study can be a powerful step toward advancing your career, deepening your expertise, or exploring new fields of interest. At UCF, we welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, including recent graduates, working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners, each with their own goals and motivations. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or a doctorate, you’ll find opportunities to grow intellectually, engage in meaningful research and experiences, and prepare for a future filled with possibility.
How Valuable Is A Graduate Education
Individuals with a graduate degree earn an average annual salary of $95,680, which is significantly higher than the $80,236 earned by those with a bachelor’s degree and the $48,360 earned by high school graduates. In addition to higher yearly earnings, graduate degree holders are also more likely to accumulate greater savings throughout their careers.
*2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
98.8%
Employment Rate
Doctoral Degree holders are employed at the highest rate of any educational level, highlighting the strong market demand and long-term value of advanced degrees.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
23%
Greater Salary Potential
With a master’s, compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree. This represents a meaningful boost in earning capacity over time.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
$500,000
Earned Over A Lifetime
Reflecting the long-term value of graduate education beyond an undergraduate degree.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Why Is A UCF Graduate Degree Valuable?
At UCF, the value of your experience extends far beyond the degree. You’ll join a community of scholars and creators, work alongside mentors who challenge and inspire, and access opportunities that shape both your work and your future. UCF offers a transformative experience, tailored to your unique goals and aspirations. It’s a strong foundation for meaningful inquiry, innovation, and growth.
Invest in Your Future
Graduate education is one of the most powerful investments you can make in yourself. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a master’s degree earn nearly 20 percent more per week than those with a bachelor’s degree, while doctoral degree holders earn nearly 50 percent more.
Beyond higher pay, graduate degree holders also benefit from lower unemployment rates, greater job security, and increased opportunities for meaningful work in their field. Whether you’re pursuing research, creative scholarship, or professional advancement, graduate study provides a strong return on investment and long-term value.
Wider Range of Careers
The importance of a master’s or PhD depends on your individual career goals. A master’s degree can be an excellent choice for career advancement, personal growth, specialization within a field, and increased earning potential in various industries. A doctorate is more suitable for those seeking academic careers, research-intensive roles, or leadership positions requiring deep expertise and the ability to contribute original research to a field. Both degrees offer distinct advantages and require careful consideration based on your aspirations and interests. A broad range of careers are available to those with master’s and doctoral degrees, including academia, industry, government, nonprofit, communication, law, and entrepreneurship. As you consider your options, remember that the journey you start today can unleash opportunities that can change your career and life.
Better Quality of Life, Powerful Personal Networks
When you earn a master’s or doctoral degree, you unlock some powerful perks you may not exactly see, but feel. Increased happiness, a feeling of fulfillment, satisfaction with your personal growth, boosted confidence and independence, pride in your work and achievements, stronger creative and critical thinking, a lifelong love of learning, and so many more positive outcomes prove why graduate study is worth it.
During your degree journey, you also gain valuable access to an important network of alumni, faculty, and industry connections — the “foot in the door” that could move you to the top of the list for your dream job. UCF has a well-connected constellation of more than 360,000 alumni, nearly 50% have built their lives and careers right here in Central Florida.
Adding even more value to your degree from UCF, you’re empowered to get what you want out of your education. With nearly 150+ graduate degree programs and over 100 graduate certificates to choose from, you can customize your academic experience to set yourself apart in the increasingly competitive job market.
Why Alums Value UCF
Whether you’re returning to complete your graduate degree, exploring new academic interests, or still deciding what path to take, a university like UCF provides the environment, resources, and support to help you grow, discover your purpose, and succeed.
Anna Eskamani
Public Affairs PhD, Public Administration Track
Public Administration MPA, Nonprofit Management MNM Dual Degree Track
Gender Studies Graduate Certificate
Political Science BA and Women’s Studies Minor
“My academic journey at UCF has helped sharpen my critical thinking skills to solve the complex problems our community faces. It was during my graduate program that I built strong research skills and lasting partnerships, which continue to shape my work today.”
State House Representative, Florida House of Representatives
Albert Manero II
Mechanical Engineering PhD
Aerospace Engineering MSAE
Aerospace Engineering BSAE
“The graduate research experience at UCF challenged me to dream big about how our research impacts our community.”
Founder and Executive Director, Limbitless Solutions
Graduate Education at UCF That’s Accessible and Affordable
Financing your graduate education doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Many graduate students receive some form of financial support during their graduate study. Graduate student funding comes in the form of fellowships, assistantships, or student loans. At UCF, a large portion of graduate students receive financial support that helps make advanced study more affordable.
Students interested in applying for loans or externally funded need-based awards should visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance website at finaid.ucf.edu and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available October 1 each year.
Additionally, UCF works hard to maintain stable tuition and offers competitive funding options. This commitment is part of why UCF is recognized nationally for providing excellent value in higher education, with top rankings from Forbes, Kiplinger, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report.
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