Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Which Majors Pay the Most?

Just doing a little forward-thinking. Anyone know what college majors typically pay the most after graduation? I'm considering a variety of fields but want to be financially stable in the future.

a year ago

Typically, majors in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (known as STEM) have the highest earning potential. Here are some of the most lucrative areas:

1. Petroleum Engineering: Graduates in this field typically work in oil and gas extraction, commanding a hefty salary right out of the gate. They focus on methods for extracting oil and gas from beneath the earth.

2. Computer Engineering: This is a booming field with the increased need for computer systems design expertise in practically every sector.

3. Electrical Engineering: Graduates in this major typically design and develop, or manage the manufacturing of, electrical equipment.

4. Data Science: Given the surge in Big Data, a data scientist's ability to analyze and interpret complex digital data is vitally important and well compensated.

5. Applied Mathematics / Statistics: Using math and statistical methods to solve practical problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields can lead to a highly paid position.

6. Pharmacy: Get a degree in pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline, pass the licensing examination, and you're well on your way to a high-paying career as a pharmacist.

7. Aerospace Engineering: Yet another engineering field that scores high in pay scales, focusing on aircraft and spacecraft design.

However, remember a degree doesn't guarantee a certain salary; different factors like location, years of experience, the sector of employment, the size of the company, and individual work performance can significantly impact earnings. It's essential to choose a major where you're confident in your ability to succeed and that aligns with your interests and goals – not solely based on earning potential.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.