Is a Master's in Education Worth It?

Are you ready to take your education career to the next level? Earning a Master of Education (MEd) can boost your salary by up to 44% and open doors to new job opportunities. However, it also requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort.

How do you decide if this degree is the right move?

What Does a Master's in Education Get You?

A master’s degree in education, also known as an MEd, is more than a ticket to a better-paying job. An MEd can help you deepen your knowledge and build your leadership skills. Additionally, you may consider choosing a specialization that allows you to explore fields related to education and expand your professional expertise. In some cases, it can also lead to an upgrade in your licensure.

Some popular areas of focus include:

Reading and Literacy
Curriculum and Instruction
Special Education
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
K-12 Educational Leadership
Higher Education
Counseling

An MEd can qualify you for positions that specifically require a graduate-level education. For example, obtaining an MEd specializing in educational leadership can prepare you for important administrative roles such as vice principal or principal. Counseling is another popular focus that prepares graduates to work as school counselors, career counselors, college counselors, and more.

Why Get a Master's in Education?

While part of your decision to get a master’s degree in education may be related to career advancement, pursuing further education can also be a powerful journey of can also be a powerful journey of purpose and love for the field.

Like many teachers I know, I got into education because I was passionate about helping students. Taking the next step in your career may stem from that same desire, whether it's to step into a leadership role, gain expertise to help others, or achieve personal goals.

Earning a master’s degree in education can help you fulfill your dreams. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of obtaining a post-graduate degree.

Or maybe you’re eager to use your new skills and knowledge to influence education policy, mentor new teachers, and be a positive force in the field. Graduates of MEd programs can work inside and outside of schools as educational consultants, department leaders, policy analysts, and more.

Master's in Education Jobs and Earning Potential

On a practical level, you will boost your earning potential by obtaining an advanced degree. The payoff for earning a master’s degree in education is high.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education administrators with a master’s degree earn, on average, 44% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, salaries of preschool and kindergarten teachers with a master’s degree are 43% higher than teachers with bachelor’s degrees.

This is especially true for in-demand or hard-to-fill positions. For example, special education specialists were in demand ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. Special education teachers with a master’s degree can earn up to $10,000 more per year than teachers with only a bachelor’s degree.

Outside the classroom, you can use your new degree to obtain jobs such as instructional coordinator, principal, or counselor. These positions all command higher average salaries than positions that only require a bachelor’s degree.

Cost and ROI Considerations

Wondering if a master’s degree in education is worth it for you? Obtaining your MEd brings many benefits, but also comes at a cost. The financial commitment is often a primary consideration. On average, an MEd costs $44,640.

The actual cost also depends greatly on where and how you decide to complete your degree. In-state tuition and public universities are often lower in cost than out-of-state and private universities.

An additional consideration is whether you opt for an online or on-campus option. At private institutions, online degrees are often significantly less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. Additionally, online programs can reduce commuting and related expenses.

If costs are a concern for you, financial aid programs and scholarships are also available. You can reach out to programs you’re interested in to learn more about funding options. Admissions counselors can help identify scholarships and financial aid programs that may be relevant to you.

Also, check with your employer to see if your workplace offers employee reimbursement or tuition assistance programs. These programs help pay for further education to incentivize employees to continue learning and growing as professionals.

Financially, you can expect a return on investment within a few years of graduation, depending on the position you achieve.

For example, graduates who obtain jobs as administrators can earn up to $23,000 more than their peers who hold bachelor’s degrees. This suggests that you can recoup the cost of tuition within two years, considering the average cost of a master’s degree in education is $44,640.

Time Commitment

Obtaining an MEd requires time to study and complete coursework. Full-time students can complete their master’s degree in education in about two years. If you want to continue working while you complete your degree, you can also take courses part-time.

Online courses are ideal for working professionals. You can save time spent commuting and also study on your own schedule. While some online programs may include live sessions or occasional in-person events, they generally offer more flexibility than traditional on-campus formats.