To be driven by passion and love for a course is normal when choosing a college major. However, what we often overlook while making this decision is practicality.
College Is An Investment
Attending college is a significant investment and a pivotal decision for young people. It is important to choose a major that will not only bring you joy but also provide long-term stability and prosperity.
Seven Highest-Paying College Majors
While it is nice to be paid a high salary, those who have recently graduated should still save some money for a rainy day and put some money aside to repay student loans.
Are you ready to explore the highest-paying college majors? Let’s discuss the options that you have:
7. Pharmacology
Pharmacology students are responsible for studying various drugs and their effects on the human body.
Pharmacology is not to be confused with pharmacy. In pharmacy, you learn how to deal with prescribed medicine, while in pharmacology, you research different aspects of the drugs. You may need to study physiology, chemistry, biology, and toxicology.
7. Pharmacology
As a pharmacologist, your average pay will be $127,100 per year. On the high end, pharmacologists may earn a whopping $203,412 per year.
However, most entry-level pharmacologists across the United States are making $34,500 to $52,000 annually. New York City, Green River in Wyoming, and San Mateo in California have been identified by ZipRecruiter as the best places for above-average entry-level salaries.
6. Computer Science
Computer science comprises the study of computational systems. You will learn skills that are necessary for developing, designing, and even upgrading the existing software systems.
As computer science entails the study of different software systems, their designs, and applications, it is an in-demand major with a wide variety of key areas.
6. Computer Science
2023 has seen a rapid demand for professionals with computer science majors, and this demand will increase in the coming years.
You can have an entry-level job as a system engineer, software engineer, or web developer and expect an annual average salary of $91,499. Top earners are even making over $100,000 per annum.
5. Biotechnology
As a biotechnology major, you learn how to use biological sciences, genetics, and biochemistry to develop enhanced products. These products include plants, microbes, and even animals.
Biotechnology deals with agricultural, environmental, industrial, and clinical aspects. For this, you will study comparative genomics, bioinformatics, gene identification, and other disciplines.
5. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is always almost everywhere. So rest assured you will have a good paying job in this field.
You can make an average of $77,881 per year, whereas entry-level positions start at $47,825 annually. More experienced workers can even make up to $150,128 every year.
4. Actuarial Science
As a student of actuarial science as a major, you will learn how to use probability principles, mathematics, and statistics to predict future events.
This study is helpful in assessing financial risk in the finance and insurance fields and implementing preventive measures timely. You will be required to take different professional exams before you receive your certificate.
4. Actuarial Science
All the hard work endured may be worth it in the end, with the actuarial salary ranging from $73,500 to a staggering $735,000 annually. The average salary is $124,750 per year, and the top 67% are expected to make $735,000.
3. Civil Engineering
While studying civil engineering majors, you will learn how to design buildings and supervise infrastructures, such as roads, tunnels, bridges, airports, etc.
As a student, your main subjects will be calculus, trigonometry, geometry, chemistry, physics, and material science.
3. Civil Engineering
As a civil engineer, you can earn from $73,000 to $115,000 per year. This means that you will make approximately $42.96 per hour.
Most entry-level jobs that you will find will be of a civil engineer, a field, or a structural engineer, but even with an entry-level job, you will start with a $73,000 salary.
2. Physics
Although it is a complex field that combines the study of how energy and matter interact, all this is to learn how the world is structured and how it is functioning.
You will study courses relevant to physics, but after graduation, you can find jobs in various fields.
2. Physics
Studying physics will give you a spot in various fields like laboratories, research institutes, observatories, and even in different teaching fields.
How does $135,649 per year sound to you? That is the average salary of a physicist in the USA. Entry-level positions will pay you $98,354 per year.
1. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering is a major that focuses on applying technology, science, and maths to build and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and even missile systems.
You learn a lot about aerodynamics, fuel safety, flight controls and engines, launches, and orbits. It also touches on the environmental impact.
After graduating, these engineers work for industries responsible for national defense, building spacecraft, missiles, and aircraft.
1. Aerospace Engineering
There is also a possibility to be employed as an air crash investigator, which involves examining the malfunctioning parts. You can work as an aerospace engineer, a maintenance engineer, or even a mechanical engineer.
Sounds difficult, but hard work pays off with an average salary of $122,270 per year. An entry-level job will pay you $77,440, but the top 20% bracket earns as high as $168,370 annually.
Advice For Young People Considering College
Doug Greenberg, President of Pacific Northwest Advisory, gave the following advice for young people when choosing the right college major:
- Research and Evaluate: Thoroughly research and evaluate your interests, career goals, and the potential return on investment before choosing a college or major.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider alternative education and career paths, such as trade schools, online courses, certifications, or entrepreneurship.
Advice For Young People Considering College
- Financial Planning: Be mindful of the costs and explore scholarships, grants, and part-time work to mitigate student loan debt.
- Gain Experience: Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, and practical experiences to build skills and enhance your resume.
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Passion Is The Fuel To Success
That concludes our list of the highest-paying majors. Whether it is a STEM field, arts, or any of the majors mentioned here, like pharmacology, computer science, or civil engineering, you will only succeed if you are determined to learn.
The highest-paying degrees will ensure a future with financial security, but your passion is also important. Without being passionate, you will feel like a lost sheep in a crowd. A major that aligns with your goals will lead to a more fulfilling tomorrow.
This article was produced by TPR Teaching.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.