You’re shelling out big bucks for college, so you want to get your money’s worth, right?
CINCINNATI — New report reveals which degrees offer the best return on investment as college costs continue to rise
The cost of a college degree continues to hit new highs, with average tuition approaching $20,000 annually at public institutions and $40,000 at private schools.
“It’s pretty expensive. It’s really expensive,” one student said.
With such a significant financial investment, students and parents are increasingly focused on which majors deliver the best return on investment. A new report from CNBC has identified the highest-paying college majors, with several fields offering six-figure salaries after just a few years in the workforce.
Chemical engineering and computer science top the list, with graduates earning around $80,000 by age 25.
Other engineering disciplines follow closely behind, with electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering graduates earning approximately $75,000 early in their careers.
Finance and physics degree holders can expect around $70,000, while mathematics and nursing graduates typically earn about $65,000 after their first few years in the field.
However, not all degrees offer the same financial rewards. Among the lowest-paying majors for 25-year-old graduates are early childhood education ($49,000), foreign languages ($40,000), and theater and performing arts ($38,000).
While studying theater may be more enjoyable than chemical engineering for many students, the financial outcomes can differ dramatically unless graduates achieve exceptional success in their field.
Of course, not everyone can be—or wants to be—an engineer. But with college costs potentially exceeding $100,000 for a four-year degree, understanding the financial implications of different majors can help students and families make informed decisions about their educational investments.
