Highest paying college majors?

Hey all. I'm in a bit of a pickle about what major to choose. While I have a few interests, I think my ultimate goal is to secure a well-paying job post-college. Do you guys have any insights about what the top earning majors tend to be?

Absolutely, it's a fair consideration since you'll want to maximize your return on investment for college. The majors associated with high-paying jobs typically fall into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and business fields. This isn't to say that other fields can't lead to lucrative careers, but on average, these disciplines tend to have the highest earning potential:

1. Petroleum Engineering: Graduates in this field often find high-paying jobs in oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, and engineering services. Keep in mind that the job market might heavily depend on the state of the oil industry.

2. Computer Science / Computer Engineering: Given the ever-increasing role of technology in our daily lives, jobs in the tech industry generally pay very well. Careers include software development, IT consulting, and systems management.

3. Aerospace Engineering: Another high-paying field that involves designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, and working on large scale projects for aviation companies or governmental bodies.

4. Pharmaceuticals: A degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences can lead to a lucrative career as a pharmacist or in pharmaceutical research and development.

5. Economics/Mathematics: These majors can lead to high-paying careers in a variety of fields, including finance, data analysis, market research, and actuarial science.

6. Finance and Accounting: Graduates often secure jobs in the financial services sector, which generally comes with high earning potential.

7. Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineers can find roles in various industries, including healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.

8. Nurse Anesthesia: While it does require further study beyond a bachelor's degree, a career as a nurse anesthetist can be quite lucrative.

Remember, your chosen major does not entirely dictate your career path. There are countless examples of people finding high-paying jobs in fields unconnected with their major. More importantly, it's essential to choose a major that aligns with your interests and talents, because success—and consequently, earning potential—is often tied with passion and dedication in a chosen field.