Table of Contents
Choosing a major is a big decision—one that can shape your future career and income. It’s no surprise you’re asking, “Which college majors make the most money?” Most college students want to earn a good living after graduation while still pursuing something they enjoy.
Let’s explore what majors that make the most money and see if one aligns with both your interests and financial goals.
Which College Majors Make the Most Money in 2025? Highlights
- STEM majors like Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, IT and Aeronautics are among the top paying majors with graduates earning between $87,487 - $121,515
- Business majors are also top earners with graduates in lucrative specializations earning between $98,662 - $126,701
- Students who pursue certain healthcare and pre-med majors, politics & government majors, and liberal arts, social sciences, & humanities majors can also expect to earn higher than average salaries.
Why Do Some Majors Lead to More Lucrative Careers?
Generally, students who earn the highest salaries after graduation have majored in fields with strong workforce demand. One of the top-paying majors today is computer science, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and software development. Companies are willing to pay premium salaries for skilled programmers. Similarly, fields like computer engineering and petroleum engineering also offer high earning potential because they combine specialized technical expertise with industries that are in constant demand.
Other sectors—such as healthcare, business, and STEM—also maintain a steady need for graduates with current skills and knowledge. Majors like actuarial science, which focuses on advanced mathematics and risk modeling, and operations research, which emphasizes optimization and decision-making, can lead to highly competitive salaries as well. Considering these factors can help guide your choice if financial potential is important to you.
While no major guarantees a six-figure salary immediately after graduation, choosing a field aligned with high-demand industries can give you the education and skills needed to secure a strong entry-level position and stand out in the job market.
16 College Majors That Make the Most Money
Choosing a major shouldn’t only be based on how much money you think you’ll make after graduation. That said, if you’re interested in one of the college majors that make the most money listed below, it’s worth considering!
Choosing one of the a college majors that make the most money can be a smart move because many of the classes you take and skills you develop can be applied across industries. For example, a business degree doesn’t automatically mean you’ll become a CEO — it can also open doors to work in healthcare administration, public relations, or other fields by teaching you critical skills.
Keep in mind that majors can differ between colleges and universities—they might have different names, course requirements, or specializations. The most important thing when choosing a major is learning valuable skills and picking something you will enjoy. As you read through this guide, you’ll discover what majors make the most money and are also personally fulfilling.
STEM Majors
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These disciplines emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are easily transferable to almost any other field. On this path, you’ll learn how to do important research, create relevant experiments, and how to handle large amounts of data. More specific majors and potential jobs in STEM include the following:
1. Chemical Engineering
As a chemical engineering major, you’ll study science and math. A chemical engineer's role is to create efficient, safe, and sustainable solutions and contribute to advancements in pharmaceuticals, energy, materials science, and many other industries. Choose this major if you want to help meet the global demand for safer, more efficient processes.
Current chemical engineer mid-range salary estimate as of 2025: $87,487
Common courses to get started:
2. Computer Science
Computer science is consistently one of the highest paying bachelor degrees. Computer science majors will develop a deep knowledge of computer coding languages, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies. Computer scientists work in a range of fields depending on their interests and specializations. These might include cybersecurity, data analysis, machine learning, or software engineering.
Current computer scientist mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $111,343
Common courses to get started:
3. Information Technology (IT)
A list of which college majors make the most money wouldn't be complete with Information Technology. IT majors study the practical applications of technology, usually specifically how it’s used for business. Unlike computer science majors, with IT, you’ll usually learn more of the hands-on applications of STEM. Upon graduation, IT professionals focus on implementing and maintaining technology systems to meet business needs.
Current IT professional mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $109,707
Common courses to get started:
4. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineering is one of the most lucrative engineering degrees. Petroleum engineering majors study the extraction and production of oil and gas, learning about drilling techniques, reservoir management, and energy systems. Graduates often work in the energy sector, focusing on areas such as oil and gas exploration, production optimization, or environmental sustainability within energy operations.
Current petroleum engineer professional mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $80,025
Common courses to get started:
5. Computer Engineering
Computer engineering combines principles of computer science and electrical engineering to design and build hardware and software systems. Computer engineering majors gain expertise in areas such as embedded systems, network architecture, and digital circuit design. Graduates can pursue careers in hardware development, software engineering, robotics, or systems integration.
Current computer engineering professional mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $121,515
Common courses to get started:
6. Aeronautics
A major in aeronautics requires you to learn the principles of physics and materials science. Those who study aeronautics usually become aerospace engineers who create efficient vehicles, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Engineers test prototypes for reliability and adherence to standards. They must adapt to technological advancements in space exploration and aviation.
Current aerospace engineer mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $108,638
Common courses to get started:
- General Physics I
- Structural Mechanics
Ready to start your career in STEM? Take a look at all the accelerated STEM prerequisites that StraighterLine offers or learn what prerequisite courses you need for engineering here.
Business Majors
A major in business will give you a deep understanding of business practices across the global economy, including political, ethical, and legal issues. An education in business will give you the knowledge and skills that employers want, as well as skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries and roles. This will allow you to apply your education, enhance your experience, and even combine your passions in almost any field.
These are just some of the more specific majors and jobs you can consider when studying business:
7. Operations Research Analyst
An operations research analyst major studies methods of organizational efficiency and decision-making. They delve into data analytics to optimize and improve business processes. Upon graduation, a business operations research analyst will work with various departments within a company to increase efficiency, possibly developing new systems to streamline operations.
Current business operations researcher mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $102,462
Common courses to get started:
8. Business Analytics
Business analytics is the assessment and optimization of organizational processes. You’ll need to study both the technical and business aspects of organizations so you can act as a go-between for various departments. Unlike business operations research, this field usually requires more data analytics and hands-on work within a company.
Current business analyst mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $98,662
Common courses to get started:
Want to study business? Build the future you want with self-paced online business courses.
Healthcare & Pre-Med Majors
People will always get sick or hurt and will, therefore, always need doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. And all those healthcare workers need administrators to help run the offices and manage hospitals or clinics. That’s why a college degree that makes the most money is often related to healthcare. Here are some healthcare-related majors to consider.
9. Biology
Biology encompasses a wide range of topics, including molecular and cellular processes within living organisms. Coursework may cover anatomy, microbiology, and biochemistry. Biology majors sometimes go on to pursue advanced degrees in pharmacology, exploring the interactions between drugs and living organisms.
Current pharmacist mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $126,701
Common courses to get started:
10. Nursing
Registered nurses (RNs) need comprehensive knowledge of patient care and medical terminology because they often collaborate with healthcare teams, educate patients on managing illnesses, and offer emotional support. To become an RN, your education will include coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. RNs can further specialize by pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees.
Current RN mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $87,868
Common courses to get started:
11. Healthcare Administration
For those who enjoy the field of medicine but aren’t interested in becoming a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, consider a major in healthcare administration. This role combines business and patient care. Your major should cover principles of management, finance, and ethics. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for navigating the complex healthcare environment.
Current healthcare administrator mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $94,295
Common courses to get started:
Get started on your healthcare track. Our low cost healthcare courses make it possible.
Politics & Government
Majoring in politics or government offers a pathway to a range of meaningful careers where you can make a positive impact on society. If you’re fascinated by the intricacies of political systems or want a fulfilling career in the field of social justice, consider one of these majors:
12. Political Economics
A political economics major learns how to analyze the connections between political and economic systems and will spend time researching how government policies impact economic outcomes. Your education will include learning strong analytical skills for assessing policy implications and understanding economic trends. Political economists shape public policy discussions on the complexities of global and domestic economic systems.
Current political economist mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $82,064
Common courses to get started:
13. International Relations
A degree in international relations opens up various career paths, allowing you to work around the world in a variety of fields. This major is ideal for someone who loves domestic and international policies but wants to specialize in a particular area, like law or economics. Some common careers to consider include:
- Working with NGOs as an international development specialist
- A global intelligence analyst
- An international policy analyst
- An international lawyer
Current policy analyst mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $100,949
Common courses to get started:
Begin your career in politics with StraighterLine humanities credits.
Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, & the Humanities
Liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities encompass diverse disciplines like literature, philosophy, history, and the arts. For those interested in exploring human experiences, cultures, and ideas, consider one of these majors for their broad intellectual foundations. You’ll gain skills in analysis, creativity, and effective communication — qualities valued in various professions.
14. Economics
Economics majors delve into the study of economic systems, principles, and policies. You’ll explore topics like microeconomics, which focuses on individual markets and behavior, and macroeconomics, which analyzes national and global economic trends. Upon graduation, you’ll have skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Econ majors usually pursue careers such as financial analysts or management consultants.
Current management consultant mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $94,022
Common courses to get started:
15. Architecture
An architecture major involves the comprehensive study of designing and planning built environments. Among your courses, you’ll learn about architectural history and theory, including design principles. Graduates will have proficiency in architectural software and gain hands-on experience with model-making and drafting. This major emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication in conveying design concepts. Architecture majors often become architects or urban planners.
Current architect mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $128,756
Common courses to get started:
- Introduction to Architecture
- Principles of Modern Architecture
16. Public Relations
A public relations major delves into the strategic communication and management of information between organizations and their audiences. The major emphasizes cultivating strong writing and interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability in navigating diverse communication channels. Graduates often pursue careers as public relations specialists or media relations managers.
Current media relations manager mid-range salary estimates as of 2025: $107,880
Common courses to get started:
- Introduction to Communication
- Brand Promotion
Begin your career in liberal arts, social sciences, and the humanities with StraighterLine humanities credits.
Accelerate Your Path to a College Major that Makes the Most Money with StraighterLine
Which college major that makes the most money is the most intersting to you? If you'd like get started, StraighterLine has courses that can help you with almost any college major, and the credits you earn are transferable to over 180 partner schools. Take a look at our full list of courses, or get inspired by our Career Paths page today!
FAQs
Which college majors earn the highest starting salaries?
Majors in STEM fields like computer science, petroleum engineering, computer engineering, and actuarial science typically offer the highest starting salaries.
Does a higher-paying major guarantee a high income?
Not always. Salary also depends on location, industry, experience, and job performance. That said, high-paying majors can definitely increase your earning potential!
What are some non-STEM majors capable of earning high salaries?
Business, finance, economics, and certain healthcare fields can be very lucrative, especially with advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
How can I pursue my passion while still earn a high salary?
The key is to choose a high-paying field that overlaps with personal interests — for example, computer engineering for tech enthusiasts or operations research for problem-solvers.
