Professional Degrees: Is an Advanced Degree Worth It?

Professional Degrees

Professional degrees prepare students for careers that require advanced training, certification, and licensure. Unlike other levels of college degrees, professional degrees emphasize practical skills and real-world application. These types of advanced degrees are common prerequisites for demanding roles in healthcare and law.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about professional degrees. Beyond just giving you a list of professional degrees, we’ll explain what they are, the kinds of careers they can lead to, and the steps you’ll need to take to earn one. Specifically, we’ll cover:

• What professional degrees are and how they differ from other graduate degrees
• The typical timeline for completing professional degrees
• A list of professional degrees and the careers they lead to
• Admissions requirements and application expectations
• Tuition costs and financing options, including student loans
• Licensing and certification processes
• Average salary outcomes for those with professional degrees 
• Factors to consider when deciding if professional degrees are worth the investment, and more!

First, let’s describe what a professional degree is in more detail.

What is a professional degree? 

Professional degrees are specialized academic programs that prepare you to enter certain regulated fields. Unlike general graduate degrees, these advanced degrees are closely tied to specific career paths. For instance, you could become a physician with an MD, a lawyer with a JD, or a pharmacist with a PharmD. 

These types of degrees place a strong emphasis on practical training and real-world experience. In addition to classroom instruction, students often complete:

• Clinical rotations
• Internships
• Supervised practice
• Fieldwork

This hands-on component helps students develop the skills they need to perform effectively in their profession. Certain roles also require a professional degree, meaning credentials are not optional for employment.

Most professional degrees require applicants to have already earned a bachelor’s degree or completed a set of prerequisite courses before enrolling. These professional education prerequisites ensure that students have a solid foundation in relevant subjects, such as biology for veterinary school or chemistry for pharmacy school.

It is also important to note that completing a professional degree, meaning finishing the necessary coursework and exams, does not automatically qualify graduates to practice in their field. This is a key difference between professional degrees versus other levels of college degrees. Graduates must still pass licensing exams or meet certification requirements before they can work in their profession.

How long does it take to get a professional degree?

Because they integrate practical learning throughout the curriculum, professional degrees can take anywhere from three to six years to complete. However, the length of time it takes to earn an advanced degree varies depending on the specific field:

• Juris Doctor (JD): ~3 years of full-time study
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): ~4 years of full-time study
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): ~4-6 years, depending on specialization and internship requirements

In some cases, students may complete their professional degrees more quickly or take longer than average. Accelerated programs allow highly motivated students to finish in a shorter timeframe, while part-time options can extend the duration for those balancing work or family responsibilities. Dual-advanced degree programs, such as JD/MBA or PharmD/MPH tracks, often lengthen the overall timeline, but allow you to earn two advanced degrees simultaneously.

Professional vs. Academic Graduate Degrees

While both are among the highest levels of college degrees, there is a big difference between a professional degree and a graduate academic degree. So, let’s compare these two types of degrees.

Academic degrees, such as a master’s or doctor of philosophy degree, are based on research, analysis, and theory. They usually culminate in a thesis or dissertation aimed at contributing knowledge to the field of study. On the other hand, professional degrees focus on developing practical and technical skills for their industries. Their studies tend to culminate in clinical hours and licensing exams rather than conducting research.

Professional degrees have a curriculum that focuses on skills mastery, preparing students to work in the industry upon graduation. Indeed, professional degrees prepare students for a particular regulated career path with predetermined milestones and requirements. Academic degrees are more theory based, with broader potential career paths leading to work in research, teaching, or varied specialized roles. 

Types of Professional Degrees

Professional degrees lead to a variety of careers. While certain organizations and institutions may define these types of degrees in slightly different ways, the U.S. Department of Education maintains an official list of professional degrees that is used for policy and financial aid purposes. This list of professional degrees includes:

It is important to note that some institutions and professional organizations may include additional fields beyond what is included on this list of professional degrees. Depending on the context, areas such as social work, architecture, audiology, accounting, occupational therapy, and nursing may also be considered professional programs, particularly when they lead to licensure or specialized certification.

That being said, understanding how the Department of Education defines professional degrees is especially important for financial planning. This list of professional degrees and classifications can affect eligibility for federal student loans and determine borrowing limits for advanced degrees (we’ll discuss this in more detail below when we discuss funding and loan options).

Next, let’s take a closer look at five major advanced degree pathways: pharmacy, law, medicine, theology, and clinical psychology.

Pharmacy (PharmD)

Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system by ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively. While many people associate pharmacists with retail drugstores, pharmacists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. 

To become a licensed pharmacist, students must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, which typically takes four years after completing undergraduate prerequisite coursework. Some students enter pharmacy degree programs after earning a bachelor’s degree, while others apply after finishing required science and math courses. The pharmacy degree curriculum combines classroom instruction with laboratory work and supervised clinical rotations. 

After earning a pharmacy degree, graduates must pass licensing exams to practice legally. The primary exam is the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which assesses a candidate’s knowledge of pharmacy practice. Most states also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which tests understanding of pharmacy law and regulations. In addition to licensure, some pharmacists choose to complete residency programs to gain advanced training in areas such as clinical pharmacy, oncology, pediatrics, or infectious diseases. 

Earning a pharmacy degree is a big commitment and can be competitive. However, if you know where your academic interests lie, then starting early can give you a strong advantage.

If you are a high schooler considering a pharmacy degree:

1. Build a strong science foundation.

Courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and math form the backbone of PharmD coursework. Consider taking IB or AP courses in these subject areas to challenge yourself and prepare for college-level classes. 

2. Gain exposure to healthcare settings.

Participate in volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs, or job-shadowing experiences at local pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. This will give you a sense of what it’s like to be in your potential career environment.  

3. Research pre-pharmacy pathways and colleges that offer strong pre-pharmacy programs.

Knowledge allows you to plan properly. By researching programs you can plan your high school and college coursework more effectively.

Law (JD)

In the US, the Juris Doctor (JD) is the standard advanced degree required to practice law. Graduates with a law degree can pursue careers in a wide range of legal fields, including private practice, corporate law, government service, academia, and policymaking. 

Earning a law degree typically takes three years of full-time study. The first year, often referred to as “1L,” focuses on foundational courses that introduce students to the legal system and legal reasoning. In the second and third years, students have more flexibility to choose electives based on their interests, such as environmental law, intellectual property law, international law, or family law.

In addition to traditional coursework, law degree programs emphasize experiential learning. Many programs offer legal clinics where students work with real clients under faculty supervision, as well as opportunities to participate in moot court, mock trials, and law journals. 

After earning a law degree, graduates must pass a bar examination to become licensed attorneys. Each state sets its own licensing requirements, although many now use the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which allows score portability across participating states. 

Understanding what it takes to become a lawyer can help you to decide if it’s a path you’re interested in taking.

If you are a high schooler considering a law degree:

1. Develop strong reading and writing skills.

You can do this by taking challenging English, history, and social science courses in high school.

2. Get involved in relevant extracurriculars.

Consider joining your school’s debate team, mock trial, or student government to build your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.

3. Learn about the legal system firsthand.

Consider shadowing a lawyer, interning at a law office, or volunteering with legal aid organizations.

Medicine (MD)

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is the primary advanced degree for physicians in the US. Medical degrees are designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation and extensive clinical training to prepare them for the responsibilities of patient care.

Most medical school programs follow a four-year structure. The first two years, known as the pre-clinical phase, focus on foundational medical curriculum. The final two years are dedicated to clinical rotations, during which students train in hospitals and clinics under physician supervision. Rotations typically include specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and family medicine, allowing students to gain broad clinical experience.

After earning a medical degree, new physicians must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty. Residencies provide intensive, supervised training and can last anywhere from three to seven years or more, depending on the field. During and after residency, physicians must pass a series of licensing exams known as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). In addition to licensure, most doctors pursue board certification through specialty-specific medical boards, which demonstrates advanced expertise in their field.

Some students enter medicine through combined or accelerated programs known as BS/MD programs. These medical degree programs allow highly qualified students to gain admission to medical school directly from high school, essentially guaranteeing a spot in a partnering medical school. BS/MD programs typically last six to eight years and combine undergraduate and medical professional education.

When considering a future as a physician, preparing early can help you stay competitive and confident throughout the long training process.

If you are a high schooler considering a medical degree:

1. Excel in science and math courses.

Focus on biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced math whenever possible. Strong performance in these subjects will prepare you for pre-med and medical school coursework.

2. Seek healthcare-related experiences.

You can do this by volunteering at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or community health organizations. Shadowing physicians can also help you understand the realities of medical practice and whether the pre-med path is right for you.

3. Build strong time management skills and resilience.

Learning how to balance academics, activities, and self-care in high school will serve you well throughout your medical career.

Theology (MDiv, or MHL)

Theology degrees such as the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Hebrew Letters (MHL) are designed for individuals who feel called to careers in religious leadership, education, and service. These types of degrees are commonly pursued by future clergy members, including ministers, religious educators, community leaders, and scholars. Graduates with theology degrees may work in places of worship, schools, or hospitals.

The Master of Divinity is the most widely recognized advanced degree for ministry and typically takes about three years of study to complete. MDiv programs combine coursework in theology, scripture, ethics, and leadership with supervised ministry placements or internships. 

The Master of Hebrew Letters, a theology degree often pursued by students in Jewish studies and rabbinical preparation programs, generally takes two to three years to complete. MHL programs emphasize advanced study of Hebrew language, Jewish law, history, philosophy, and religious texts. 

Earning a theology degree alone does not automatically qualify graduates for religious leadership roles. Ordination, certification, or formal endorsement is usually required before individuals can serve as clergy or spiritual leaders. 

A theology degree is often just the starting point for further study or work in theology.

If you are a high schooler considering a theology degree:

1. Explore religious studies and philosophy courses.

This will allow you to build a strong foundation for theological study.

2. Get involved in your faith community.

Do this through youth leadership programs, volunteer projects, teaching roles, or service activities to gain hands-on experience.

3. Develop strong reading and reflection habits.

Engage with complex texts and reflect on ideas through journaling, discussion groups, or writing projects.

Clinical Psychology (PsyD or PhD)

Clinical psychology focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Those with clinical psychology degrees work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and research institutions.

To become a licensed clinical psychologist in the US, students can pursue two types of degrees, either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology. The primary difference between these two advanced degrees lies in their focus and career orientation. 

PsyD programs are practice-focused and emphasize clinical training and direct patient care. They are designed for students who plan to work primarily as therapists, counselors, or clinical practitioners. In contrast, PhD programs are research-focused, setting students up for careers in academia, research, teaching, or clinical practice.

Both PsyD and PhD clinical psychology degrees require extensive training, taking anywhere from four to seven years. Students complete advanced coursework in areas such as psychological assessment, psychotherapy techniques, ethics, neuroscience, and psychopathology. In addition to classes, students must accumulate hundreds to thousands of supervised clinical hours. Most clinical psychology degree programs also require students to complete a doctoral dissertation or major research project.

After earning a clinical psychology degree, graduates must meet state licensure requirements before practicing independently. This process typically includes completing a period of supervised postdoctoral training, which may last one to two years, depending on the state. Candidates must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and, in some states, additional exams. 

Building early academic and personal skills can be extremely helpful to jumpstarting your future in clinical psychology.

If you are a high schooler considering a clinical psychology degree:

1. Take psychology and science-related courses.

This will allow you to begin developing a foundation in human behavior and scientific thinking.

2. Volunteer in helping or community-based settings.

This could be crisis hotlines, youth programs, nursing homes, or mental health organizations. You’ll gain experience working with diverse populations. This sort of exposure to the field and hands-on experience can help determine if a career in clinical psychology is right for you.

3. Develop strong listening and empathy skills.

You can do this through peer mentoring, tutoring, or leadership roles. These skills are essential to building a career in clinical psychology.

Admissions Requirements for Professional Programs

When it comes to getting into a professional education program, students need to be in good academic standing. For example, some advanced degree programs list a 3.0 GPA as the minimum requirement, while more competitive programs set higher standards. Professional degree programs also require entrance exams tied to the field of study.

In general, the process to apply to an advanced degree is similar to applying to college. You’ll need to complete an application, submit college transcripts, request letters of recommendation, write a personal statement, and present a resume. Additionally, you’ll likely need to take an entrance exam. 

Similar to standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, entrance exams for professional degrees aren’t strictly pass/fail. Rather, the score indicates your aptitude, and you should compare it to averages at schools you’re researching. Common entrance exams for professional degrees include: 

Professional Degree Entrance Exams

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT):

The MCAT is a nearly 8-hour exam required for entrance to medical schools. It is divided into four sections broadly covering chemistry/physics, biology/biochemistry, critical analysis and reasoning, and psychology/sociology. Students must pass the exam in order to get into medical school.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT):

The LSAT is an entry requirement to law school. It is a 3-hour exam that includes multiple choice, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension. 

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE):

The GRE is an exam that tests verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing. It is required for most graduate school programs, as well as for some business and law programs. 

Apart from these requirements, students seriously applying to professional degrees should have relevant experience in the field. This might include internships, part-time jobs, research experience, and other relevant training. Volunteer hours or job shadowing are also a plus when applying. 

In addition to showing initiative, these experiences allow you to see if you would really want to work in the field. Given the rigor of the application process — to say nothing of the degree program itself — this certainty is extremely helpful. An internship might show you that while a certain field is right for you, the position you were considering isn’t. 

How much do professional degrees cost?

Earning an advanced degree isn’t cheap, which is why you should be certain of your choice before enrolling. However, while the initial cost can be quite high, those with advanced degrees tend to have much higher starting salaries. So, how much does it actually cost to earn professional degrees? 

Exact prices will vary based on various factors, however, here is a short list of professional degrees and their tuition costs: 

• Medicine: $230k
• Veterinary Medicine: $200k
• Pharmacy: $160k
• Law:  $140k

Similarly to undergraduate degrees, the cost of advanced degrees depends on multiple factors. The main difference in the price of a professional education has to do with whether the institution is public vs. private. For example, a public school may cost anywhere from $10,000–$20,000, whereas a private school is around $15,000–$48,000. Oftentimes, attending a public school in your state is more affordable than an out-of-state public university or any private university.

Of course, tuition is only one part of the cost of college. When financially planning your professional education, you’ll need to also budget for high-cost essentials such as housing and living expenses. Consider the cost of living in the area, as well as potential costs if you intend to commute. Other costs include licensing exams and their corresponding prep courses, travel for internships or clinical placements, books and course materials, and health insurance.

Professional Degrees and Student Loans

Given the high cost of advanced degrees, many students borrow federal or private loans to help finance their education. If you’re considering taking out loans to pay for your professional degrees, you’re looking at a big commitment. It’s important to understand what types of loans there are, and how much money you can actually borrow. 

Remember when we said the U.S. Department of Education has a list of professional degrees that determines which degrees are considered “professional”? This differentiation between advanced degrees directly impacts how much money students can take out in federal loans. 

Professional degrees have higher federal loan limits compared to standard graduate degrees. Graduate degrees have an annual loan cap of $20,500, whereas professional degrees are capped at $50,000. 

One type of loan that has been widely used in the past are Grad PLUS loans. These are credit-based, federal loans from the U.S. Department of  Education. These loans previously helped fill funding gaps after other loans were applied, often covering the full cost of attendance. However, as of July 2026, this program will no longer be available. 

With the cost of professional degrees so high, it’s important to consider starting salaries upon graduation. Think about how much debt you’re willing to take on, and how quickly after graduation you’ll be able to pay it off. The cost of these degrees cannot be overstated. However, they usually pay off better than a graduate degree, since they’re more specialized. 

Additionally, for people working in public sector roles, there is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Through this government program, federal direct loans are covered for borrowers who work full time in certain government or non-profit positions. You can see the full terms to qualify here. 

Licensing and Certification Requirements

In regulated fields, employers expect a professional degree, meaning academic qualifications directly affect hiring eligibility. But simply completing your professional education doesn’t grant you a license to practice.

Professional degrees are different from professional licenses. Universities grant advanced degrees. However, licenses come from passing state-specific exams or completing practical experience requirements. Only after this are you able to legally practice, even if you have your degree. 

For many students, there are post-grad hurdles to get through in order to get licensed. For example, completing mandatory clinical hours, residencies for physicians, and character and fitness evaluations for lawyers. While some of these may be completed before graduation, that isn’t a given.

In addition to these practical requirements, there are also required exams for these types of degrees. 

• Future lawyers must pass the Bar exam, a notoriously difficult test that evaluates knowledge of legal principles, ethics, and the ability to apply law in practical scenarios.
• Those who wish to practice medicine in the US need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This three-part exam assesses medical science knowledge, clinical knowledge, and the application of medical knowledge in a clinical setting. 
• After earning their degree, hopeful pharmacists must pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. This is a 6-hour exam that assesses competence in medication dispensation, patient outcomes, and drug therapy management. 

Earning an advanced degree and passing these field-specific exams is a vital part of being able to practice in your chosen professional field. Without passing these exams, you will not be able to pursue a career in your field, even with a degree.

Average Salaries for Professional Degree Holders

While professional degrees are certainly quite the initial investment, both financially and academically, salaries of professional degree holders are generally high. This is important when considering your return on investment. However, among those with a professional education, salaries do vary based on the industry and career path. 

Let’s take a look at some average earnings for advanced degree holders:

Earnings for Professional Degree Holders

Physicians and Surgeons: $239k+

To become a physician or surgeon, you will need to have plenty of years and experience under your belt. Earning a medical degree will take four years. Depending on the specialty you choose, you’ll need an additional 3-9 years in residency programs. Some specializations may even require an additional 1-3 year fellowship. And, of course, you’ll need to pass your licensing exam. However, if you get through all of that, you’ll enjoy a high salary and a career saving lives. 

Dentists: $179k

As a dentist, you might choose to own your own business, or work for a dental practice. To become a dentist, you must earn a license in the state where you plan to work. Requirements vary by state, but the licensure consists of both a written and clinical exam. 

Lawyers: $151k

As a lawyer, you might choose to work for various organizations, from corporations to nonprofits to federal, local, or state governments. To practice law, you’ll need a professional degree and state license, which means passing the Bar exam.

Pharmacists: $137k

If you want to become a pharmacist, you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Additionally, like some other professional degrees, you’ll need to be licensed in your state of practice. Pharmacists may work in a variety of places as pharmacies tend to be in everything from grocery stores to hospitals. 

Optometrist: $134k

To become an optometrist you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Upon graduation, you’ll need to pass a state licensing exam. As an optometrist, you might have your own office or work in an optical goods store. 

Veterinarians: $125k

After earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college, vets must get licensed in their state of practice. Some veterinarians have or work in private clinics or hospitals, while others might travel to zoos, farms, or labs. 

Chiropractors: $79k

Upon completing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, you’ll need to get licensed in your state of practice. Many chiropractors are self-employed, but you might also choose to work in a practice with other chiropractors. 

These starting salaries are on the high-end, making earning professional degrees worth it in the long run for many. However, keep in mind that these are average figures. Every sector, employer, and location will have different salary offerings. Additionally, your experience will factor into your potential salary. 

While you may graduate with high debt from your professional education, long-term earning potential and job stability can make the initial investment worth it. Of course, beyond the stability and earning potential, consider if the career you choose really interests you. These careers require a significant time — as well as financial — investment. If you decide to go into one of these fields, be sure it’s for the long run. 

Are professional degrees worth it?

Now, let’s get into the practicality of earning an advanced degree, and specifically embarking on a professional education. You might be asking: is it worth it?

Well, one of the best ways to determine if professional degrees are worth the cost is examining the return on investment (ROI). We just saw from the previous list of professional degrees and their average annual salaries that these types of advanced degrees have high salaries.

However, earning potential also varies among different careers, as we saw from that list of professional degrees and salaries. Even with that in mind, the return on investment for professional degrees is high — higher than most ROIs of advanced degrees. Typically, the highest earners among those with professional degrees will be those with medical degrees, law degrees, and pharmacy degrees. 

Additionally, professional degrees grant career longevity and stability to their holders. This is because these degree holders have specializations in their field, with credentials. Let’s face it — not just anyone is going to go through 8 years of schooling to start their career. Those that opt for professional degrees make a big initial investment. But, in the long run, it pays off. 

So, are you considering taking on a pharmacy degree, clinical psychology degree, or any other professional degrees? Remember that it is a long time commitment. Students earning their professional degrees go through rigorous training and studies take up most of their time and energy. This means that to take on one of these degrees, you should have a genuine passion for the field. Reasons for earning professional degrees need to go beyond earning potential and career stability.  

How to Prepare for a Professional Degree in High School: 5 Tips

Of the levels of college degrees, professional degrees are among the highest. This means they require a big commitment — even more so than other graduate degrees. However, if you know what you’re passionate about, and think pursuing a professional education is for you, you’ll want to get ahead of the crowd. 

Here’s what you can do to start preparing for these types of degrees in high school and college: 

In High School: 

Challenge yourself with advanced courses, such as AP and IB, especially in courses relevant to your potential advanced degree. 

Get a “day in the life” perspective early on to learn more about what it’s like to actually work in your area of interest. You can do this through volunteering or shadowing a professional in your field of interest. 

Join pre-professional clubs. There are clubs for those interested in law degrees or medical degrees. For example, those interested in a medical degree could consider joining HOSA in high school. For those interested in a law degree, sign up for your school’s mock trial club. 

In College: 

Focus on building relationships with faculty. You’re getting closer to earning an advanced degree, so start making connections. You’ll need letters of recommendation for professional degrees. Additionally, faculty could set you up with potential internships relevant to your advanced degree. 

Give yourself 3-6 months to study for entrance exams. Different levels of college degrees have different requirements, but most professional degrees require you to pass a challenging entrance exam. Take it seriously by committing to a test prep plan.

Professional Degrees – Final Takeaways

There are various levels of college degrees and types of degrees, and many can lead to exciting career opportunities. But some high-demand careers require a professional degree, meaning students have to complete challenging coursework and meet strict requirements to get into those fields.

When considering an advanced degree, or any degree on our list of professional degrees, think beyond the earning potential. Every program on our list of professional degrees requires years of study and an initial large financial investment. So, if considering an advanced degree, make sure you are passionate about the field. Try to gain practical experience to be sure it’s for you as early as you can. That way, you’ll feel confident when it comes time to commit.

While this article covered more than a simple list of professional degrees, you might still have questions about your next steps. Planning ahead now can make a big difference later — and CollegeAdvisor is here to help! Reach out for guidance on mapping your path toward an advanced degree.

This article was written by Bailey Bennett and Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.