These lists of the highest and lowest-paying college majors for Bachelor’s degree recipients are based on U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by the Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University.
These lists are more or less in agreement with similar data published by Payscale.com and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Engineering fields rank near the top and education and social work near the bottom.
Students who major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can expect to earn the most after graduation, and students who major in the arts and humanities can expect to earn the least.
In general, students should aim to keep debt at graduation in sync with their expected starting salaries. Some of the lowest-paying fields of study, however, may qualify for loan forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, making it possible for college graduates to pursue careers in related occupations despite the low pay and high debt.
Highest-Paying College Majors
|
Highest ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ Higher ↑ ↑ ↑ High |
Petroleum Engineering Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration Mathematics and Computer Science Aerospace Engineering Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Mining and Mineral Engineering |
Lowest-Paying College Majors
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Low ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Lower ↓ ↓ ↓ Lowest |
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Visual and Performing Arts Communication Disorders Sciences Studio Arts Drama and Theater Arts Social Work Human Services and Community Organization Theology and Religious Vocations Early Childhood Education Counseling Psychology |