Worth of College Degrees?

Stressed junior here. I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to major in. Right now, nothing's set in stone, so I'm considering all options. What's considered the most valuable degree in terms of outcomes after college?

There's no definitive answer as to what the 'most valuable' degree is, as it largely depends on your professional goals and unique set of skills. That being said, certain degrees do tend to lead to more lucrative job prospects.

A few fields of study that are traditionally associated with high job demand and salaried positions are Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, and certain Health Sciences (like Pre-Med and Nursing).

Degrees in Engineering (such as Petroleum or Electrical Engineering) have a strong track record for high earning potential. Computer Science graduates are in high demand, particularly with the ongoing digital boom. A degree in Economics can be versatile and enable you to pursue jobs in business, finance, or government. For those interested in a career in healthcare, Pre-Med or Nursing degrees can lead to lucrative careers, especially given the balanced supply and demand in this sector.

However, remember that the most valuable degree critically depends on your interests and where you see yourself in the future. If you have a passion for History or Literature and wish to become a historian or writer, then a degree in those fields could prove to be the most valuable for you.

Investigate different career paths, consider your passion and skills, and then align these with your degree selection. Use resources at your school such as your college counselor, career guidance resources, and alumni network to get a sense of different career paths. Make sure you pick something that aligns with your interests because you're more likely to excel in a field you're passionate about.