You’ve heard the old saying: do what you love; love what you do. But, unfortunately, doing what you love doesn’t always lead to a lucrative career. Given that more students are graduating with debt than not, money may lead to financial freedom – which could “buy” a degree of happiness.
On average, a college student graduates with roughly $29,400 in debt, according to CollegeBoard. That may lead some potential college students to wonder if going to a four-year university is even worth it. Last year, however, research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, stated that college graduates make at least $17,500 more per year than a high school graduate, as reported by U.S. Career Institute.
Essentially, a college degree is worth it if your career path requires it and you’re the type of student that would thrive on a college campus. At the same time, if you want to get more bang for your buck, you may want to consider a college major that will provide a higher income after graduating in order to pay off student loan debt.
Or – you could always choose a college major that you love. It’s up to you. But to help you make a well-rounded decision, you don't need a salary calculator. Just check out the highest paid college majors below, according to Payscale. Maybe you’ll find one that you love and can provide you with financial freedom.
10 College Majors with Highest Salary Jobs
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers work closely with either crude oil or natural gas. Within the first five years of working in the industry, petroleum engineers can make an average entry level salary of $97,500. Those with 10+ years of experience can expect to make $212,500.Operations Research and Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering is central to manufacturing, and operations researchers specialize in problem-solving across this industry. Individuals in these roles optimize processors or systems by leveraging the power of people, information, and equipment. On average, recent graduates can make an average of $98,300. Those with 10+ years of experience can expect to make around $170,400.Interaction Design
Interaction Designers enhance the relationship between people and the interactive systems that they use. Graduates of interaction design can expect to make an average entry level salary of $74,700 after graduation, and after 10+ years in the field can make upwards of $173,600.Applied Economics and Management
Applied Economics is applying the theories and practices of economics to the real world in order to improve people’s lives. Payscale reports that the average income for a recent graduate is $76,500 and $164,400 for an individual with 10+ years of experience.Building Science
Building science combines multiple engineering fields to work on the initial construction of residential, commercial, and governmental building projects, as well as their maintenance or renovation over time. The average salary for recent graduates is $69,000, which then increases to $163,100 by mid-career.Actuarial Mathematics
Actuarial Mathematics is an interdisciplinary major that combines business, economics, mathematics, and statistics. Upon graduation, these majors make an average entry level salary of $70,700 annually and eventually $160,000 per year.Operations Research
This major essentially makes you an expert-level problem-solver. Using theory, mathematics, and simulations, operations researchers work toward improved decision-making across a variety of fields and platforms. On average, recent graduates can make an average of $92,200. Those with 10+ years of experience can expect to make around $160,000.Systems Engineering
Systems engineering is a discipline that focuses on the conceptualization, use, and retirement of engineering systems. Systems engineers use scientific, technological, and management methods to create and harness these systems. Recent graduates can expect to make $87,000 and eventually earn $159,100.Optical Science and Engineering
Optical engineering is the use of lasers, lenses, spectrometers, and other light-manipulating systems, for design equipment that may be used in consumer products, manufacturing, space exploration, communications, and quantum engineering. According to Payscale, the average starting salary of a college graduate is $79,600 and average mid-career earnings are $158,300.Information and Computer Science
These fields of study focus on computers and electronics over a wide range of products, from software for smartphones to huge power station generators. Recent graduates can make an average of $76,000, and those with 10+ years of experience make $157,800. Given the rising cost of college and the fact that most students graduate with a great deal of student debt, these college choices definitely make sense. Hopefully, though, these majors are combining both a passion and a practicality, and we haven’t seen the end of doing what you love; loving what you do.You Might Also Like
Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph is the Associate Content Editor at Fastweb. She has 17 years of higher education experience, working first as an Admissions Officer at DePauw University before joining Fastweb. In b...
