Want a Fat Paycheck? Pick One of These Majors
College isn’t just about figuring out who you are. It’s also about betting on your future—and that bet starts with your major.
Sure, you can chase passion. But let’s be honest: Passion doesn’t always pay the bills. On the flip side, you could follow the money and wind up burned out in a career you never actually wanted. The goal? Find the sweet spot between what you love and what the market is willing to pay for.
“Students who align their major with both personal interest and job market demand are more likely to be successful long-term,” says Dr. Rachel Rubin, co-owner of Spark Admissions. “It’s not just about income—it’s about fit.”
That said, salary still matters—especially with tuition climbing and student loans looming. The average starting salary for college grads hovers around $64,000. But what about 10 or 15 years in? That’s where the real separation happens.
According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, these 20 college majors are killing it in terms of mid-career pay (roughly defined as 10+ years in):
🔧 Engineering and Tech Still Dominate
- Aerospace Engineering – $125,000
- Computer Engineering – $122,000
- Electrical Engineering – $120,000
- Chemical Engineering – $120,000
- Mechanical Engineering – $115,000
- Computer Science – $115,000
💼 Business and Money-Minded Majors
- Finance – $110,000
- Economics – $110,000
- Business Analytics – $100,000
- Information Systems & Management – $100,000
- Marketing – $90,000
📊 Math and Science Pay Off
- Industrial Engineering – $108,000
- Physics – $100,000
- Mathematics – $100,000
- Chemistry – $90,000
- Biochemistry – $89,000
🌍 Liberal Arts Majors That Hold Their Own
- International Affairs – $100,000
- Political Science – $90,000
🩺 Careers That Serve and Earn
- Nursing – $84,000
- Treatment Therapy – $80,000
But Hold Up—Money Isn’t Everything
It’s easy to get blinded by the numbers, but there’s more to this equation. Cost of your degree, financial aid, job security, and personal happiness all factor in.
“If you’re paying $30,000 a year out of pocket, majoring in something like nursing makes a lot of sense—it’s practical, and there’s always demand,” says Kevin Ladd, COO of Scholarships.com.
Now imagine racking up $100,000 in loans for a philosophy degree you don’t know how to use. Not ideal.
Still, if you’ve got financial flexibility, you’ve got options. Compare tuition, scholarships, and outcomes across schools. Hunt for institutional aid. Go big on outside scholarships. And whatever you do—minimize loans.
“A wide net is smart,” Ladd says. “Apply broadly. Negotiate offers. And find ways to fund your education that don’t involve selling your future.”
Degrees Are Just the Beginning
Let’s be clear: Your major matters, but it won’t define your destiny. Some companies care more about skills than transcripts. Others are laser-focused on specific degrees. Engineering? You’ll need the diploma. Consulting or sales? Maybe not.
The key is to think ahead. What do you love? What’s in demand? Where do those overlap?
Because the best major isn’t just one that sounds impressive—it’s one that works for you.