Best Master’s Degrees For F1 Students In The U.S. (2025)

Choosing the right master’s degree in the U.S. can significantly impact your career path. Discover the top programs that offer the best return on investment for international students.

1. Why Choose a Master’s Degree in the U.S.?

The United States remains a top destination for students around the world—and with good reason. Pursuing a master's degree here allows international students to study at world-class universities, engage in cutting-edge research, and thrive in a diverse academic setting. U.S. institutions emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on experience, all of which are essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market.

With flexible curriculum structures, advanced facilities, and strong industry ties, U.S. universities provide a rich platform for both academic and personal growth. Furthermore, options like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allow students to gain real-world experience while studying.

2. How to Evaluate a Master’s Program: ROI, Job Outlook, and More

When evaluating a master's program, it's crucial to consider factors such as return on investment (ROI) and job outlook. ROI is a critical measure that helps determine whether the financial investment in a degree will pay off in terms of future earnings. Additionally, understanding the job market demand for specific fields can guide students toward programs that offer strong career opportunities.

Other factors to consider include the university's industry connections, alumni success stories, and the availability of scholarships or financial aid. These elements can significantly influence your educational experience and long-term career success.

3. Top 10 U.S. Master’s Degrees with the Best ROI for International Students (2025)

1. Computer Science

A degree in computer science is highly sought after due to the increasing reliance on technology across all industries. Graduates can pursue careers in software development, data science, and cybersecurity, often commanding high salaries. The growing influence of AI in the job market further enhances the value of computer science skills.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• High-paying and in-demand across all sectors
• Versatile career paths: software engineering, AI, cybersecurity

• Most Computer Science programs are STEM-designated, offering a 24-month OPT extension.

ROI Highlight:

• Median Salary: ~$132,270/year (starting)
• Job Growth: 25% (by 2032)

2. Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA offers a broad array of concentrations and high-paying career paths in fields such as finance, marketing, and management. Graduates often find lucrative positions as IT managers, marketing managers, and business operations managers.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Offers leadership roles across industries
• Specializations in Finance, Marketing, Tech Management

ROI Highlight:

• Median Salary: ~$115,000/year (starting)
• High-growth career paths: IT Manager, Marketing Director

3. Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)

Engineering degrees are versatile and in high demand. Graduates can specialize in various fields, such as robotics, renewable energy, and structural design, leading to well-compensated roles.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Practical skills applicable in tech, construction, manufacturing
• Consistently high salaries and global demand

ROI Highlight:

• Electrical Engineering: ~$98,880/year (starting)
• Mechanical Engineering: ~$83,705/year (starting)

4. Finance

A master’s in finance equips students with skills in budgeting, investing, and managing money. Careers in banking, financial analysis, and investment management are common and offer substantial earning potential.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Applicable across industries from banking to tech startups
• Career roles include Financial Analyst, Actuary, Investment Banker

ROI Highlight:

• Financial Analyst Salary: ~$85,660/year (starting)
• Job Growth: 16% by 2032

5. Healthcare Management & Nursing

Advanced degrees in nursing and healthcare management prepare students for specialized roles such as nurse practitioners and healthcare administrators, which are both high-paying and in demand.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Strong demand in healthcare administration and advanced practice nursing

ROI Highlight:

• Nurse Practitioner: ~$121,610/year (starting)
• Healthcare Manager: ~$110,680/year (starting)

6. Data Science & Analytics

In today’s data-driven world, companies are generating and collecting more information than ever before. As a result, data scientists and analysts have become indispensable across industries—from finance and healthcare to retail and technology. These professionals help organizations extract insights from massive datasets, guiding product development, marketing strategies, customer experiences, and even operational efficiencies.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• One of the fastest-growing and highest-paying fields in both tech and business sectors
• In-demand skills include data mining, statistical modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics
• Careers include: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Statistician

Corporate Demand:

• Companies like Amazon, Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft hire thousands of data professionals annually to optimize operations, enhance user experiences, and fuel innovation.
• In the finance sector, firms such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citadel rely heavily on data analysts to forecast market trends and manage risk.
• According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workforce Report, data analysis skills were among the top 5 most in-demand hard skills globally.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 36% job growth for statisticians and 35% for data scientists from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
• A 2023 report by Burning Glass Technologies found that over 150,000 job postings in the U.S. requested data analysis skills, with particularly high demand in sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, and logistics.

ROI Highlight:

• Average Starting Salary: $100,000+ (can exceed $120,000 for data scientists at major tech firms)
• Projected Job Growth: 36% for Statisticians (BLS), 35% for Data Scientists
• Many roles offer flexible work arrangements, sponsorship opportunities, and global career mobility

For international students, especially those pursuing STEM-designated degrees, careers in data science not only offer high earning potential but also qualify for extended OPT and strong H-1B sponsorship prospects—making this field both lucrative and immigration-friendly.

7. Information Technology Management

IT management degrees combine technical knowledge with business acumen, preparing graduates for leadership roles in technology-driven organizations.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Blends tech and leadership skills
• High demand in enterprise tech infrastructure

ROI Highlight:

• Median Salary: ~$84,000
• Roles: IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager

8. Political Science & Public Policy

A master’s in this field can lead to careers in government, non-profits, and international organizations, focusing on policy analysis, public administration, and political strategy.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Great for students aiming for NGO, government, or academic roles
• Strong foundation for law or PhD programs

ROI Highlight:

• Political Scientist Salary: ~$132,350/year (median annual salary)

9. Economics

Economics graduates are well-versed in market analysis and financial trends, finding roles in consulting, government, and international trade with impressive salaries.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Analytical and data-heavy field with high versatility
• Jobs in finance, consulting, government, and research

ROI Highlight:

• Economist Median Salary: ~$104,340

10. Education & Instructional Design

This degree prepares students to create effective educational programs and technologies, leading to roles in academia, corporate training, and educational consulting.

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Booming field due to growth in online education
• Roles in curriculum development and e-learning platforms

ROI Highlight:

• Instructional Designer: ~$52,279 (entry level)

4. Tips for Maximizing ROI as an International Student

★ Tip 1: Apply to STEM-Designated Programs

These offer extended OPT, increasing your earning potential and U.S. work experience.

★ Tip 2: Use University Career Services

Attend career fairs, resume workshops, and job placement services to get internships and full-time roles.

★ Tip 3: Explore Graduate Assistantships

Many universities offer tuition waivers or stipends for research or teaching roles.

★ Tip 4: Network Actively

Connect with alumni, professors, and professionals through LinkedIn and campus events.

5. Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Master’s Program for You

Selecting the right U.S. master’s program as an international student should be a thoughtful mix of passion, career goals, and ROI potential. Focus on popular fields with strong job demand, especially those offering Day 1 CPT or STEM extensions.

Do your research, apply early, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance. The right choice now can shape a lifetime of career opportunities.

🚀 Ready to take the next step? Check out our Day 1 CPT Program List.

📢 Got questions? Feel free to book a free Day 1 CPT Application Consultation!