Which college majors pay the most?
Of the 20 most common bachelor's degree majors, computer science paid the most four years after graduating: a median of $107,009 a year, more than twice the $47,382 of teacher education. These earnings cover only graduates who received federal student aid (grants or loans) and were working and not in school. They describe students who graduated in 2017–18 or 2018–19, with earnings in 2022 and 2023, shown in 2024 dollars.
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Source and date
- Data as of
- Published
The data
| Major (bachelor's degree) | Median earnings four years after graduating, dollars a year |
|---|---|
| Computer science | 107,009 |
| Computer and information sciences | 92,374 |
| Mechanical engineering | 92,135 |
| Nursing | 88,910 |
| Finance | 83,343 |
| Economics | 82,686 |
| Accounting | 76,194 |
| Marketing | 69,303 |
| Business administration and management | 68,257 |
| Political science | 63,293 |
| Biology | 57,214 |
| Communication and media studies | 56,359 |
| Criminal justice | 55,378 |
| Kinesiology and physical education | 54,562 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 53,072 |
| Sociology | 52,657 |
| Social work | 51,790 |
| Psychology | 50,706 |
| English | 48,590 |
| Teacher education | 47,382 |