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The 10 Best College Majors You Should Consider in 2024
09/17/2024•12 minute read
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Best 10 Majors
Choosing a college major could determine the trajectory of your professional life and career.
Of course, you should choose a college major in your area of interest. But it’s also wise to select a major that will propel you into a rewarding career with a steady income.
We've talked about which degrees will be most in demand in the future, but what majors are best in terms of salary outlook in 2024?
In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 degrees in that lead to high-paying jobs. All majors could eventually lead to high-income positions, so we'll specifically explore salaries in terms of early and mid-career positions. Let's begin!
What Are the Best College Majors in 2024?
Here are the top 10 degrees based on the average salaries of graduates, ranked by their early and mid-career median salaries, as well as their unemployment rates:
Best College Majors 2024
| Degree | Early Career Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | $79,000 | $133,000 | 2.0% |
| Computer Engineering | $80,000 | $125,000 | 2.3% |
| Aerospace Engineering | $74,000 | $120,000 | 7.8% |
| Electrical Engineering | $72,000 | $112,000 | 2.9% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $70,000 | $111,000 | 1.5% |
| Computer Science | $78,000 | $110,000 | 4.3% |
| Pharmacy | $79,600 | $132,000 | 3.4% |
| Finance | $66,000 | $104,000 | 2.7% |
| Misc. Engineering | $68,000 | $100,000 | 2.2% |
| Industrial Engineering | $71,000 | $100,000 | 0.2% |
Source: Kiplinger.com and The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
1. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering blends chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop processes for manufacturing everything from pharmaceuticals to fuels.
Like other engineering degrees, it's a versatile degree with consistently high earning potential. According to Kiplinger, by mid-career, you could be bringing in over $130k, making it a strong choice if you want a balance of creativity and solid income.
Top US Schools to Study Chemical Engineering:
2. Computer Engineering
Another engineering degree takes up the second spot.
With tech continuing to dominate nearly every aspect of our lives, computer engineering is a hot ticket. This degree equips you to design and develop both hardware and software systems.
The early career salary starts at a solid $80k and climbs to $125k as you gain more experience. It’s perfect if you love tech but also want a steady and substantial paycheck.
Top US Schools to Study Computer Engineering:
- MIT
- Stanford
- UC Berkeley
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Carnegie Mellon
3. Aerospace Engineering
You might be noticing a theme with engineering degrees taking up the top spots - and there's a reason for that.
If the idea of working on aircraft, spacecraft, or even missiles sounds cool, aerospace engineering could be your dream job.
Not only is the work exciting, but the pay is also impressive. Starting around $74k and climbing to $120k by mid-career, it’s a financially sound choice for those passionate about flight and exploration.
Top US Schools to Study Aerospace Engineering:
- Stanford
- MIT
- UC Berkeley
- Caltech
- Georgia Institute of Technology
4. Electrical Engineering
Compared to other engineering degrees, electrical engineering might not be as new, but it's just as profitable.
Electrical engineering is the backbone of the modern world, with these professionals working on everything from power grids to telecommunications.
With a starting salary around $72k and a mid-career earning potential of $112k, this degree offers job stability and plenty of opportunities for growth.
Top US Schools to Study Electrical Engineering:
- MIT
- Stanford
- UC Berkeley
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
5. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers are the problem-solvers behind many of the machines and systems we use every day. Their job potential is versatile, and it applies to industries like automotive, robotics, and manufacturing.
Becoming a mechanical engineer is definitely worth it, with salaries starting at $70k with mid-career salaries reaching $111k, this field offers a steady path to success
Top Schools to Study Mechanical Engineering:
- MIT
- Stanford
- Caltech
- UC Berkeley
- Georgia Institute of Technology
6. Computer Science
Computer Science also ranks in our top degrees of the future list, and here's why: Computer science remains one of the most versatile and in-demand degrees today. Whether you want to work on software development, AI, or data systems, this degree opens doors.
From programming to cybersecurity, there's a lot of opportunities with a computer science degree. The early career salary is already impressive at $78k, and while it tops out at $110k by mid-career, the possibilities for additional growth (and side gigs) in tech are endless.
Top Schools to Study Computer Science:
- Carnegie Mellon
- MIT
- Stanford
- UC Berkeley
- University of Illinois
7. Pharmacy
Pharmacy may not be what comes to mind when you think of high-paying fields, but pharmacists are critical in healthcare, advising on medication and patient care.
This role offers a solid blend of job stability and high earnings, with a starting salary near $80k and the potential to make over $130k mid-career.
Top Schools to Study Pharmacy:
- University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
- University of California - San Francisco
- University of Michigan - Ann Abor
- University of Minnesota
- University of Florida
8. Finance
If numbers are your thing and you enjoy managing investments or analyzing market trends, a degree in finance could be your best bet. While the early salary is slightly lower than some of the engineering roles at $66k, finance careers can quickly ramp up, reaching over $100k by mid-career.
Plus, there's often room for bonuses and commissions, especially in high-pressure roles within finance like investment banking.
Top Schools to Study Finance:
- UPenn
- NYU
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- University of Texas
- MIT
9. Miscellaneous Engineering
The theme of engineering keeps going. Miscellaneous engineering degrees cover a variety of specialized fields—think everything from environmental engineering to systems engineering.
While the specific work can vary widely, what ties these disciplines together is a focus on solving complex problems in new and innovative ways.
The earning potential for miscellaneous engineering degrees is still high on average, with early career salaries around $68k and the potential to hit $100k mid-career.
If you're a problem-solver at heart and want the flexibility to work in a variety of industries, this broad engineering path could be perfect for you.
Top Schools to Study Engineering:
- MIT
- Stanford
- UC Berkeley
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Purdue University
10. Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering is all about improving systems and processes to make businesses more efficient. If you like solving complex problems, this degree might be a great fit.
The early salary starts at $71k, and while the mid-career salary caps at $100k, the demand for efficiency experts is steady across industries.
Top Schools to Study Industrial Engineering:
- Georgia Institute of Technlogy
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
- University of California, Berkeley
- Northwestern University
- Virginia Tech
Final Thoughts
While most of the highest-paying degrees with the lowest unemployment rate are engineering, other degrees in Finance and Pharmacy still have good earning potential.
Besides the best college majors in terms of early to mid salaries, there other top degrees in demand for the future, and they make excellent choices for career longevity and future success.
Pick the major that suits you and submit the perfect college application by working with our expert strategists - students working with Crimson are 7 times more likely to gain admission to their dream university!
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About the Author
Crimson Education Strategists
Our Crimson strategists are top graduates from the world's most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. They bring their firsthand experience and deep insights to stay ahead of the curve in college admissions, providing you with the most up-to-date strategies for success.
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