4 Graduate Schools Worth Your Money in 2025
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Angela Corry
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Whether you want to expand your knowledge or fast-track your career, graduate school can be a great option. With advancements in technology, you now can complete higher education remotely, opening the door to graduate programs across the country.
Graduate school can come with a hefty price tag between tuition, commuting, textbooks and even your time. Here are four graduate schools worth your money in 2025.
Columbia University
Columbia University is a top-tier school in New York, with 15 different graduate and professional schools. Whether you are looking for an advanced degree in architecture, arts, business, or healthcare, Columbia University has a program for you. In addition to degree diversification, Columbia University is a top-ranked graduate school, helping you build your professional network and secure your dream job.
For the 2024-2025 school year, graduate students can expect to pay $2,584 per credit. The credit fees can vary based on your program, so be sure to check your program’s website for the most up-to-date information.
“Columbia University in New York City has a well-earned reputation as one of the top Ivy League institutions, offering a broad range of graduate programs and opportunities consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally for research productivity and return on investment,” says Nellie Gaynor, Academic Advisor, MBA Admissions Counselor, and Graduate School Admissions Counselor at IvyWise. “Personalized career coaching, dynamic workshops, and exclusive recruitment pave the way to high-paying jobs and rapid promotions.”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) makes the list of graduate schools worth your money because of their high-end facilities, established interdepartmental programs, and collaborative environment. When you enroll in an MIT graduate program, you work closely with professionals and industry experts to expand your knowledge and produce quality results in your field.
MIT does specialize in engineering and physical sciences, offering graduate degrees in engineering, economics, math, biology, and more. For the 2024-2025 school year, 12 months of attending a graduate program cost $83,405 in tuition. This figure does not include transportation, food or housing. Students may also be eligible for grants and other financial aid. It’s also important to note that certain graduate programs have separate fee schedules.
“MIT is best known for its STEM offerings, including top-tier science and mathematics programs,” says Indhika Jayaratnam, Academic Advisor and Graduate Admissions Counselor at IvyWise. “However, the university’s technological focus is far from the only reason MIT stands out as a school that can give you a competitive edge in the global job market. Both the School of Architecture and MIT Sloan School of Management occupy top rankings for best graduate programs.”
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers a variety of graduate programs with an emphasis on the healthcare sector. From nursing and dental medicine to communication and veterinary medicine, you can find various graduate programs at this prestigious university.
Each graduate program will have a different cost of attendance. For example, graduate dental education costs just under $87,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, while a master’s degree in engineering and applied sciences costs $8,792 per credit.
“The University of Pennsylvania pioneered professional education in the United States and continues to set the pace with a depth and diversity of graduate and professional programs,” says Gaynor. “The university boasts highly ranked graduate programs, including Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Law School, and School of Medicine. Other notable graduate programs include its School of Design and School of Dental Medicine.”
Duke University
Duke University’s graduate nursing program is ranked among the best in the nation. It is known for its world-class research facilities and tight-knit network of alumni. Duke University offers a variety of graduate programs in the healthcare field, from postgraduate certificates to master’s degrees in nursing or science.
Unlike many other well-known universities, Duke University has flexible admission requirements. Two criteria for getting into the nursing program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a minimum 3.0 GPA. For the 2025-2026 school year, enrolling in the nursing master’s program costs about $29,700 per semester.
“Duke University offers eight advanced practice nurse majors and three non-clinical majors,” says Jayaratnam. “Flexible program formats, distance learning, on-campus intensives, and faculty mentorship make for feasible and impactful study options.”
The Bottom Line
Are you interested in any of these four graduate schools? When looking for a graduate school, you want to be sure the university you select is worth your money.
More From GOBankingRates
