The College Degrees Worth the Most Money

College Degrees Worth the Most Money
College Degrees Worth the Most Money

As the cost of education continues to skyrocket and job prospects remain less than robust in a tough economy, the answer, “What are you majoring in?” seems more important than ever. Concerned about your earning power after college? Read on to learn which degrees typically lead to the highest salaries, both immediately after graduation and in the long term. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining which college degrees are worth the most money.

However, according to The College Board, degrees in business, engineering and computer science, and health sciences are all among the most in-demand fields. Additionally, many high-paying jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. So if you’re planning on earning a six-figure salary after graduation, pursuing one of these degrees is a smart investment.

 

Top-Earning College Majors

While there are several factors to consider when choosing a college major, earning potential is one of the most important. And according to recent data, some college majors offer more financial rewards than others.

The highest-paying college majors are in engineering, business and health care. Petroleum engineers, for example, earn an average annual salary of $136,000. While this may be higher than most other professions, it’s important to note that these jobs require the most significant amount of education and training.

Other lucrative college majors include computer science, accounting and finance. So if you’re looking for a degree that will help you land a high-paying job after graduation, consider one of these top-earning majors.

Major Average Salary Offer
Chemical Engineering $66,886
Computer Science $63,017
Computer Science $54,915
Electrical & Communications Engineering $54,915
Computer Engineering$60,112
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering $58,549
Systems Engineering $57,497
Engineering Technology $57,176
Information Sciences & Systems $56,868
Business Systems Networking & Telecommunications $56,808

Source: NACE,

 

Long-Term Salary Prospects

To ensure that you are making the wisest decision for your future, it is essential to research the long-term salary prospects of various college degrees. According to a recent study, some college degrees promise long-term earning potential than others.

The study found that the top five degrees with the highest earning potential are engineering, business, computer science, economics, and mathematics. These degrees typically lead to high-paying jobs in a variety of industries. For example, the median income for workers with an engineering degree is over $85,000 per year.

If you are looking for a degree with good earning potential, these are worth considering. However, it is essential to keep in mind that your earning potential will vary depending on your specific career choice and industry. So be sure to do your research before making a final decision.

ProfessionAverage Salary in 2018
Chemical Engineer $94,590
Computer & Information Scientist $100,900
Mechanical Engineer $82,480
Electrical Engineer $87,770
Computer Hardware Engineer $101,600
Industrial Engineer $78,450
Engineers (General) $91,770
Mechanical Engineering Technician $51,450
Computer Systems Analyst (Information Science) $81,250
Computer Systems Administrator $72,200

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,