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I know this post is from a while ago, but I wanted to add some updated 2025 insights for those still exploring high-paying college majors.
Computer Science continues to dominate the list of high-ROI degrees. According to BestColleges.com, the median starting salary is now around $80,000, with mid-career salaries exceeding $115,000, thanks to strong demand in software, AI, data science, and cybersecurity fields.
Other consistently high-paying majors in 2025 include:
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Petroleum Engineering: Starting salaries between $130,000–$160,000 (Extern.com)
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Finance: Median early-career earnings around $85,000–$130,000, especially in wealth management and corporate roles
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Nursing (BSN): Early salaries range from $85,000–$110,000, with stable job growth
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Aerospace & Electrical Engineering: Starting pay around $76,000, rising to $120K+ mid-career
Sources:
🔹 BestColleges.com – Highest Paying Majors (2025)
🔹 Extern.com – Highest Earning Majors
🔹 Wikipedia – Issues in U.S. Higher Ed
Hope this helps anyone reading the comments in 2025! Feel free to reach out if you want to talk ROI beyond just salary—things like job satisfaction, flexibility, and long-term career viability also matter.
Medical and legal degrees tend to afford the biggest opportunity for highest paying careers. Next in line would be other STEM programs.