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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
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800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Which college majors lead to the most lucrative careers?

Yo! I'm trying to find a major that sets me up for a high-paying job. What are the most lucrative careers to go to college for? Does it depend on the school or just the major?

a year ago

Hey there! A college major can indeed affect your potential earnings, but the correlation between major and salary is not always straightforward. Certain majors, particularly those in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), are often associated with relatively high paychecks. Petroleum engineering, for example, has a high earning potential. Many graduates with degrees in fields like Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or Mathematics can also land well-compensated positions right out of school in industries like software development, data analysis, or fields related to pharmaceuticals.

However, the connection between the college you attend and your salary isn't always clear-cut. Despite this, attending a highly selective university may provide more networking opportunities and better job placement services, which could potentially lead to higher-paying jobs. It's important to remember, though, that many factors can influence a person's salary, including location, industry, experience, skills, and even networking abilities. Therefore, I would also recommend pursuing a field you're passionate about. After all, a high salary is not the only measure of job satisfaction!

A major can help align you with a high-demand, high-paying industry, but your efforts in networking, gaining internships, and excelling in your coursework can also be significant factors in landing a lucrative career. Furthermore, certain fields, while not high-paying at entry level, can provide significant salary growth with time and experience. For example, political science majors often start with modest salaries, but they can potentially rise to high positions with large salaries in government or the private sector. So, it's a good idea to also consider your long-term career path when selecting your major.

Try not to focus solely on the potential paycheck. Consider your interests and strengths as well, and remember that personal fulfillment and career satisfaction often come from doing what you genuinely enjoy.

a year ago

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