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For college students or recent graduates, tales of the challenging U.S. job market are all too familiar. Lengthy waiting periods, intricate application procedures, and multiple rounds of interviews make landing that initial (or subsequent) job post-graduation a test of endurance and resolve. With unemployment rates reaching a 2.5-year peak, choosing the right degree to ensure a stable career has never been more critical. After securing that first opportunity, advancing quickly becomes essential—particularly when student loan debt is looming.
For those stepping into or re-entering academia, understanding which majors lead to lucrative careers post-graduation can be a deciding factor. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which published data on the highest-paying fields of study for graduates, engineering disciplines unsurprisingly top the rankings.
Majors like computer engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and aerospace engineering lead the way in offering high median salaries for new graduates. Finance and mathematics graduates also enjoy strong earning potential, starting at around $65,000 annually and reaching six figures mid-career. In healthcare, pharmacy majors stand out as the most likely to secure well-paying roles early in their careers.
Discover the 16 highest-earning college majors along with their median early-career salaries. While selecting the right major is crucial, it’s not the sole determinant of your post-graduation earning potential. After reviewing the list below, explore the leading institutions that offer the best return on investment.
- Computer engineering // $80,000
- Chemical engineering // $79,000
- Computer science // $78,000
- Aerospace engineering // $74,000
- Electrical engineering // $72,000
- Industrial engineering // $71,000
- Mechanical engineering // $70,000
- General engineering // $68,000
- Miscellaneous engineering // $68,000 (tie)
- Finance // $66,000
- Civil engineering // $65,000 (tie)
- Economics // $65,000 (tie)
- Business analytics // $65,000 (tie)
- Mathematics // $65,000 (tie)
- Construction services // $64,000 (tie)
- Pharmacy // $64,000 (tie)
