FAQs
College majors that pay the most five years after graduation
Major | Median Wage Early Career | Median Wage Mid Career |
---|
Computer Engineering | $80,000 | $125,000 |
Aerospace Engineering | $74,000 | $120,000 |
Electrical Engineering | $72,000 | $112,000 |
Mechanical Engineering | $70,000 | $111,000 |
6 more rowsMay 3, 2024
What majors tend to get paid the most after graduating? ›
Computer engineering majors ranked first with an annual median salary of $80,000, followed by chemical engineering and computer science — the only two other majors that earn more than $75,000 annually. They make roughly double that of the lowest-paid majors, which tend to be degrees in the liberal arts or humanities.
What is the easiest college degree that pays the most? ›
Top 15 Quick Degrees That Pay Well
- Business Administration. A bachelor of business administration is one of the most popular undergraduate degrees. ...
- Communications. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- English. ...
- Finance. ...
- Healthcare Administration. ...
- History. ...
- Human Resources.
What 4 year degree pays the best? ›
College majors that pay the most right after college
1. | Computer engineering | $80,000 |
---|
2. | Chemical engineering | $79,000 |
3. | Computer science | $78,000 |
4. | Aerospace engineering | $74,000 |
5. | Electrical engineering | $72,000 |
11 more rowsMar 14, 2024
How to make 100k out of college? ›
Jobs that pay six figure salaries and require only a bachelor's degree
- Construction managers: $101,480.
- Medical and health services managers: $104,830.
- Art directors: $105,180.
- Actuaries: $113,990.
- Computer network architects: $126,900.
- Medical dosimetrists: $128,970.
- Human resources managers: $130,000.
What is the lowest paying major? ›
College majors that pay the least right after college
- Theology + Religion $38,000.
- Leisure + Hospitality $39,700.
- General Social Sciences $40,000.
- History $40,000.
- Miscellaneous Biological Science $40,000.
- Fine Arts $40,000.
- Treatment Therapy $40,000.
- Nutrition Sciences $40,000.
What 4 year degree makes 6 figures? ›
Degrees with six-figure salaries
Several degrees led to a median salary of $100,000: aerospace engineering, computer science, chemical engineering and pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and administration.
What degree is most useful? ›
Below, we've written out a list of the top 10 majors that are currently in high demand.
- Mathematics and Statistics. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Medical Assisting. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Hospitality. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Architecture.
What is the number #1 highest-paying major? ›
Chemical engineering was the highest-paying college major, with graduates earning $79,000 per year as a starting salary and $133,000 by mid-career. Business majors earned an early-career median wage range of $50,000-$66,000 per year. Computer science majors made an early-career median salary of $78,000 per year.
How can I make $100,000 a year without a college degree? ›
9 jobs that pay $100K per year without a degree
- Information systems manager. ...
- Fire chief. ...
- Product manager. ...
- Senior engagement manager. ...
- Radiation therapist. ...
- Computer network architect. ...
- Senior real estate manager. ...
- Technical program manager.
As you start your job search, consider these six-figure jobs you can get with a bachelor's degree:
- Financial manager. ...
- Development director. ...
- Aeronautical engineer. ...
- Sales engineer. ...
- Software engineer. ...
- Architect. ...
- Actuary. ...
- Chief executive officer (CEO)
How to make 80k a year without a degree? ›
work from home no degree 80k jobs
- Dental Hygienist. Hiring multiple candidates. ...
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Remote. ...
- Outside Sales Representative. ...
- Manager Trainee - McComb. ...
- Entry Level Business Sales Role – 80k. ...
- Strengthen your profile. ...
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - Remote. ...
- Pest Service Technician.
What majors pay the most money? ›
The highest-paying major is engineering, which saw a 3.1% increase in projected earnings since 2023. Engineers design and build products, structures and technology systems. According to the BLS, architecture and engineering occupations earned a median annual salary of $83,700 as of 2022.
What degree has the most job opportunities? ›
Some popular college majors in high demand include computer science, nursing, engineering, finance, and data science. These fields offer excellent career prospects and competitive salaries. Computer science majors can find jobs in software development, cybersecurity, and IT consulting.
What degree makes you a lot of money? ›
Engineering degrees are a common theme on this list. Engineering involves the practical application of math and science, primarily physics, to solve everyday problems. Chemical engineering is a subset with a heavy focus on chemistry. This major is consistently one of the highest-paying.
What is the number #1 highest paying major? ›
Chemical engineering was the highest-paying college major, with graduates earning $79,000 per year as a starting salary and $133,000 by mid-career. Business majors earned an early-career median wage range of $50,000-$66,000 per year. Computer science majors made an early-career median salary of $78,000 per year.
Which major leads to the highest paying salary? ›
Top 20 College majors with the highest salaries
- Chemical Engineering. Engineering degrees are a common theme on this list. ...
- Computer Engineering. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Civil Engineering. ...
- Industrial Engineering.
Does it take 5 years to double major? ›
Double Major: Overview. Five years for two bachelor's, five years for a bachelor's and a master's, and three years for two master's. The same amount of time it takes for a single-major degree.
What degree gives the highest return? ›
College majors with the highest and lowest return
A recent study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that engineering and computer science majors provide the highest returns in lifetime earnings, followed by business, health, and math and science majors.