MS abroad after 3 years of work experience: an ROI breakdown

You’ve put in the time. Three years of work experience usually means you’ve built skills, some savings, and clearer direction about where you want your career to go. Now the question feels bigger: does going abroad for an MS still make financial sense, or should you keep progressing where you are?

This guide breaks down the return on investment (ROI) of pursuing an MS abroad after around three years of work experience. It looks beyond headline salaries and rankings, and focuses on what actually matters to your finances and long-term career trajectory.

Why three years of experience changes the equation

Three years is a pivot point. You’re no longer a fresh graduate, but you’re also not so senior that stepping out of the workforce feels like a major risk.

At this stage, you typically bring:

• A clearer specialisation, such as data, software, product, finance, or engineering

• Proof of employability, which strengthens applications and post-study job prospects

• Some savings, which can reduce how much you need to borrow*

This combination often improves ROI because employers value prior experience, and you may move into mid-level or accelerated roles faster after graduation.

What ROI really means for an MS abroad

ROI isn’t just about how quickly you repay an education loan. It’s about the long-term value of the degree.

A practical way to assess ROI is through four lenses:

1. Total cost of the degree

2. Opportunity cost while studying

3. Post-MS earning potential and career mobility

4. Non-financial returns that still shape outcomes

Let’s break each one down.

1. Total cost of an MS abroad

The total cost usually includes:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses such as rent, food, transport, and health insurance

• Academic and relocation costs, including visa fees and deposits

Costs vary widely by country, university, and city. One-year programmes can reduce living and opportunity costs, while two-year programmes may offer internships and deeper specialisation.

If you use an education loan, it helps to understand how funding and repayments work. With Prodigy Finance, USD $100 per month in-school payments apply during your course*, and full monthly repayments begin 6 months after your course is complete*. When approved, we send the funds to your school*.

2. Opportunity cost after three years of work

Opportunity cost is often underestimated. After three years of experience, you’re likely earning a stable salary with incremental growth.

By studying full-time, you give up:

• One to two years of income

• Potential promotions or role expansions you might have earned

However, this cost is often partially offset because:

• You’re not starting from zero after graduation

• Many employers value pre-MS experience and compensate accordingly

• You may progress to specialist or leadership-track roles faster post-MS

For many professionals, this is where the ROI case becomes stronger than going abroad immediately after undergraduate study.

3. Post-MS earning potential and career outcomes

This is where prior experience compounds.

Graduates with work experience often:

• Access higher starting roles rather than entry-level positions

• Perform better in interviews due to real-world examples

• Transition into niche roles aligned with their background

For example, analytics experience can support a move into data science, while engineering experience can support product or systems roles.

Post-MS salary depends on industry, location, and visa pathways. The real ROI often comes from earning progression over time, not just the first offer.

Helpful questions to ask:

• Does this MS unlock roles that were previously inaccessible?

• Does it allow geographic mobility into stronger job markets?

• Does it shorten the path to senior or leadership positions?

4. Non-financial returns that still matter

Some returns don’t appear in spreadsheets but influence careers for decades:

• Access to global alumni networks

• Exposure to international work cultures and hiring practices

• Easier transitions across industries or functions

For professionals with three years of experience, these benefits often integrate more smoothly because you already understand how workplaces operate.

Common ROI scenarios after three years of experience

To make this more concrete, here are simplified scenarios many students face.

Career accelerator

You stay in the same field but move into higher-impact roles faster after graduation. ROI comes from quicker progression and broader exposure.

Career switcher

You use the MS to pivot, for example from IT services to data or from core engineering to product. ROI may take longer, but long-term upside can be meaningful.

Geographic mover

You use the degree to access job markets that were previously closed to you. ROI depends heavily on visa pathways and local demand.

None of these outcomes are guaranteed. ROI improves when the programme, country, and your background are well aligned.

Financing your MS without over-stretching

Protecting ROI means planning financing carefully.

Many international students explore education loans assessed on future earning potential rather than only current income or assets.* Some options do not require collateral.*

The key is to:

• Borrow only what you need*

• Keep a buffer for living costs and job search time after graduation

• Understand when repayments change from in-school payments to full EMIs*

Is an MS abroad after three years worth it?

For many professionals, the answer is yes, if the decision is intentional.

An MS abroad tends to deliver stronger ROI after three years of experience when:

• You have a clear post-MS role or industry in mind

• The programme builds directly on your existing skills

• You plan financing and repayments realistically*

• You value long-term career mobility over short-term comfort

If you’re feeling capped in your current role, an international MS can reset your trajectory rather than pause it.

*Loan and promotion offers are subject to our eligibility, funding, and credit assessment criteria. Loan amounts are subject to the cost of attendance limits set by schools.

Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Prodigy Finance loans are offered to eligible borrowers and these loans are governed by English law.