What are the most economically successful college majors?

I'm a junior stuck between choosing a major that I'm interested in and one that might provide me with a solid financial future. So, I'm curious, what are considered the most successful college majors in terms of income and career prospects?

The earning potential of a given college major can vary greatly, but I can provide a list of some of the majors that are frequently associated with higher incomes and strong job prospects.

- Engineering: This is a broad field with numerous specialties (e.g., petroleum engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering), but engineering majors often see high return on investment. Highly technical and demand-driven, these fields tend to offer substantial salaries.

- Computer science: As the tech industry continues to boom, computer science majors often find high-paying jobs in software development, IT, data science, and more.

- Economics: Economics majors often enter business or finance careers, which can be quite lucrative. They might also pursue roles in policy or analysis.

- Nursing: With a growing demand in the healthcare sector, nursing can often secure a solid income and high levels of job security.

- Pharmacy: notable for their high earning potential immediately post-graduation.

- Mathematics / Statistics: Graduates in this field often enter roles within finance, data analysis, or technology—sectors that value the analytical and problem-solving skills derived from these degrees.

Keep in mind, though, that a major is not the sole determinant of your future income. It is vital to consider your personal strengths, passions, and career goals, too. For instance, if you're passionate about a certain field, you might be more likely to excel in it, potentially leading to advanced roles and higher income over time. Also remember that non-tangible benefits such as job satisfaction and work-life balance are important too.

Even within high-earning majors, there's a range of salaries—some might earn less, and some much more. So, while it's smart to consider potential future earnings, it's as equally important to study something you genuinely enjoy and see yourself pursuing a career in.