Choose From These Top Earning Majors to Set Yourself on a Path to Success
July 5, 2024Do you know what you want to do for the rest of your life? If you’re like many students, your answer may change considerably from when you’re in high school, as you progress through your college years, and even as you enter the professional world beyond. Sometimes a path toward your passion is clear and straightforward, but if you’re unsure about where that passion lies it can be challenging to know where to start. The great thing about college is that it’s as much a time to explore a wide variety of topics as it is to begin focusing on a field of interest.
So, why not explore a subject you know may have a great return on your investment (or ROI, as our business major friends might say)? Though it’s rare to leave your undergraduate education with direct entry into a salaried position on the top end of the spectrum, it may be helpful to know what college majors earn the highest median starting salaries as you navigate the choices ahead. According to recent findings from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), here are the contenders for highest projected earnings by discipline.
The Top 8 Highest-Earning College Majors in 2024
8) Agriculture & Natural Resources
If you’re interested in where things come from and how to manage food or resources sustainably, a degree in Animal or Plant Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Science may be a great fit. The great thing, too, is that a foundation in this field can serve you whether you like getting your hands dirty or are more comfortable behind a desk.
Career Examples: Ecologist, Crop Manager, Soil Tester, Park Ranger, Land Use Attorney
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $61,399
7) Communications
There’s a reason why a Communications degree remains one of the most popular choices among undergraduate students. In addition to building technical skills like data-based research and software use, developing soft skills like problem-solving or delivering persuasive and clear writing or speaking proves incredibly handy in almost any job setting.
Career Examples: Publicist, Event Planner, Technical Writer, Legislative Assistant, Content Creator
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $62,205
6) Business
Did you know the majority of the US workforce is made up of business majors? And that percentage is only growing! In fact, the most common industry that employs Business BA-holders is K12 education, closely followed by computer systems design, banking, bookkeeping, and financial investments.
Career Examples: Market Research Analyst, Actuary, Human Resource Specialist, Corporate Trainer, Sales Representative
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $63,907
5) Humanities
Earning a humanities degree—which can be its own major or refer to a degree in the Humanities department—is to gain an interdisciplinary education. These students gain a panoramic perspective on their topics of interest through the lens of philosophy, history, communication, literature, and more.
Career Examples: Psychologist, Archaeologist, Museum Curator, Library Science, Nonprofit Executive
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $68,227
4) Social Sciences
“Human behavior is fascinating.”
–A Social Sciences student, most likely
Career Examples: Urban Planner, Political Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Economist, Anthropologist
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $69,802
3) Math & Sciences
If you’ve got a head for math, you’re logical. A curious learner. A problem solver. These are all fantastic traits that can be further developed by a degree in math and science. Due to the high number of industries looking for your skills, you’re unlikely to experience job insecurity.
Career Examples: Statistician, Physicist, Meteorologist, Budget Analyst, Insurance Underwriter
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $71,076
2) Computer Sciences
More and more colleges are expanding their course and degree offerings in computer science and related fields in order to meet the rise in demand. Computer science studies are likely to include software and hardware design, coding and programming, and cybersecurity, though there are many more specializations to consider.
Career Examples: IT Project Manager, App Developer, UX Designer, Information Security Analyst, Network Architect
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $74,778
1) Engineering
Engineering remains one of the best performing degrees in terms of potential earnings, growing 3% in the last year alone. One reason is the level of learning students can pursue in their chosen speciality, such as:
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Robotics engineering
- Transportation engineering
And so on! If you know what specialty (or more than one) you’re interested in pursuing, it would be wise to explore schools and their respective degree programs accordingly.
Average 2024 Salary Projection: $76,736