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.
Profession | Average 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,