Choosing where and what to study isn’t just about chasing dreams or picking the most prestigious university in 2025. For many international students, it comes down to one thing: funding. Prodigy Finance, one of the global student loan providers for international master’s degree students, is seeing firsthand how financial realities are reshaping college choices.
Students today are making smart, practical decisions. They are asking, “Can I afford this school? Will this degree help me repay my loan and build my desired career?” Today’s students are making decisions based on both ambition and practicality. Instead of selecting universities solely for reputation, they are evaluating affordability, career outcomes, and long-term return on investment.
According to Prodigy Finance’s 2022 Impact Report, nearly 80% of graduates from low and lower-middle-income emerging countries doubled their salaries after completing their international master’s degrees, while over 50% reported quadrupling their income, showing just how powerful accessible financing can be.
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“Students are becoming financial strategists,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “Institutions that help address affordability and partner with forward-thinking lenders will gain an edge in attracting top international talent.”
There’s also a growing trend of students choosing courses that lead to higher salaries. STEM fields, science, technology, engineering, and math, are increasingly popular because they offer strong job prospects and financial stability after graduation.
Prodigy Finance’s borderless lending model has been instrumental in broadening access for underserved populations. With over $2.3 billion disbursed to more than 45,000 students from over 150 countries, the company enables individuals, many from low-income families without collateral or co-signers, to attend top universities worldwide. Indian resident students who are able to get support from their families are eligible to get co-signer based loans as well.
Notably, 61% of Prodigy-funded graduates come from low- and lower-middle-income countries, supported by Prodigy Finance’s unique credit risk assessment that helps students who traditional lenders often overlook.
The structure of education loans—including flexible repayment terms and no penalties for early payments—is also influencing course selections and career paths. By focusing on future earning potential rather than current financial circumstances, Prodigy Finance empowers students to make bold choices about their education.
About Prodigy Finance
Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is an international student lender that has helped over 45,000+ international master’s students attend the world’s top universities. To date, Prodigy has disbursed over $2.3 billion in funding to students from more than 150 countries.
Prodigy Finance is fueled by impact investors and other privately qualified entities who invest in tomorrow’s leaders while earning a financial and social return. Prodigy’s borderless lending model enables students to apply for a loan based on their future earning potential and not just their current circumstances and credit history.
- Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.
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