Best Master's Degree Programs at American Public University System by ROI
Every Master's Degree major at American Public University System ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
19
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$397,195
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$16,358
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$848,604 | $86,066 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$818,844 | $84,578 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
International Relations and National Security Studies.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$755,524 | $81,412 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
International/Global Studies.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$742,424 | $80,757 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Homeland Security.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$591,664 | $73,219 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$503,724 | $68,822 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Public Administration.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$480,764 | $67,674 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Political Science and Government.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$397,124 | $63,492 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate).
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$381,964 | $62,734 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
Accounting and Related Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$366,184 | $61,945 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$323,464 | $59,809 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Public Health.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$316,504 | $59,461 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Educational Administration and Supervision.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$273,464 | $57,309 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 14 |
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$269,244 | $57,098 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 15 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$223,924 | $54,832 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 16 |
History.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$175,564 | $52,414 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 17 |
Education, General.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$30,684 | $45,170 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 18 |
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$30,284 | $45,150 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 19 |
Psychology, General.
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$16,764 | $44,474 | $16,358 | $0 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.