Top 10 Highest-Paying College Degrees in 2025

Choosing a college degree is a major decision that can shape your financial future and career path. In 2025, with rising tuition costs and student loan debt averaging $37,000 in the U.S., selecting a high-paying major is key to maximizing return on investment (ROI) and achieving a debt-free education. This SEO-optimized guide, written for grades 6–7 comprehension, lists the top 10 highest-paying college degrees for 2025, based on recent data from sources like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using keywords like “highest-paying college degrees 2025,” “top majors for salary,” and “best degrees for jobs,” we focus on starting and mid-career salaries, job growth, and accessibility for diverse backgrounds. These STEM-heavy majors offer lucrative careers in high-demand fields, ensuring financial stability and growth.

1. Petroleum Engineering

Median Early-Career Salary: $83,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $201,500
Job Growth (2023–2033): 8%
Why It’s Lucrative: Petroleum engineers design systems to extract oil and gas, a critical role in the energy sector. Despite a shift toward renewables, demand remains strong, with 1,700 annual job openings projected. Top employers like ExxonMobil and Chevron value specialized skills in drilling and reservoir management.
Key Considerations: Requires strong math and physics skills. Online programs, like University of Texas Permian Basin’s, cost ~$9,500, making it affordable. Graduates can work globally, but job locations may be remote.

Petroleum engineering tops the list for its high starting and mid-career salaries, offering a fast ROI for career-focused students.

2. Computer Engineering

Median Early-Career Salary: $80,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $122,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 5%
Why It’s Lucrative: Computer engineers design hardware and software systems, fueling tech innovations like AI and cybersecurity. With 4,000 annual job openings, companies like Intel and Tesla seek graduates. The low underemployment rate (16.5%) ensures job stability.
Key Considerations: No prior coding experience needed for programs like Northeastern’s Align MSCS, which offers bridge courses. Online degrees cost $15,000–$50,000, balancing affordability and prestige.

This major is ideal for tech enthusiasts seeking high pay and diverse career paths.

3. Computer Science

Median Early-Career Salary: $80,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $111,952
Job Growth (2023–2033): 26%
Why It’s Lucrative: Computer science graduates drive innovation as software developers, data scientists, or AI specialists, with 33,500 annual job openings. Companies like Google and Amazon offer starting salaries of $90,000+. The field’s 162% degree growth from 2010–2020 reflects its popularity.
Key Considerations: Flexible for career changers with bridge courses. Affordable online options, like University of the People ($4,860), minimize debt. Build a portfolio via internships or GitHub projects.

Computer science offers high salaries and rapid job growth, perfect for analytical thinkers.

4. Electrical Engineering

Median Early-Career Salary: $75,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $120,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 7%
Why It’s Lucrative: Electrical engineers develop systems for radar, communications, and power grids, earning $100,000+ by mid-career. With 18,800 annual job openings, firms like Siemens and Boeing hire graduates.
Key Considerations: Requires calculus and physics proficiency. Online programs, like Arizona State University’s, cost ~$25,000, offering flexibility. Specializations like power systems boost earning potential.

This major suits problem-solvers eager for stable, high-paying tech roles.

5. Chemical Engineering

Median Early-Career Salary: $80,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $115,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 8%
Why It’s Lucrative: Chemical engineers work in pharmaceuticals, energy, and environmental sectors, with 2,000 annual job openings. Their versatile skills command salaries of $100,000+ at firms like Pfizer.
Key Considerations: Combines chemistry and engineering. Affordable programs, like Missouri State’s, cost ~$12,000. Internships enhance job prospects in competitive fields like petroleum.

Chemical engineering offers high pay and diverse applications, ideal for science enthusiasts.

6. Aerospace Engineering

Median Early-Career Salary: $74,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $125,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 6%
Why It’s Lucrative: Aerospace engineers design aircraft and spacecraft, with 3,900 annual job openings at companies like SpaceX and NASA. The space industry’s growth, with 10,000+ firms, drives demand.
Key Considerations: Requires strong math skills. Online programs, like University of Florida’s, cost ~$15,000 for in-state students. Government or private-sector roles offer stability.

This major is perfect for those passionate about aviation and space exploration.

7. Data Science and Analytics

Median Early-Career Salary: $70,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $108,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 33%
Why It’s Lucrative: Data scientists analyze big data for finance, healthcare, and tech, with 11,800 annual job openings. Median salaries reach $103,500, with top firms like Microsoft hiring.
Key Considerations: Open to non-STEM backgrounds via bridge courses. Online degrees, like Northeastern’s, cost $15,000–$40,000. Build skills through Kaggle projects.

Data science is a top choice for analytical career changers seeking high-demand roles.

8. Finance

Median Early-Career Salary: $60,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $110,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 8%
Why It’s Lucrative: Finance majors work in investment banking, financial advising, or fintech, with CFOs earning $150,000+. Firms like Goldman Sachs value graduates from top schools.
Key Considerations: No specific degree required. Online MBAs, like Lamar University’s ($12,000), enhance earning potential. Networking is key for high-paying roles.

Finance suits those interested in markets and wealth management, with strong ROI.

9. Nursing

Median Early-Career Salary: $71,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $86,070
Job Growth (2023–2033): 12%
Why It’s Lucrative: Nurses, especially nurse practitioners ($128,490), are in high demand due to an aging population, with 193,100 annual job openings. Programs like Johns Hopkins’ MSN welcome non-nursing majors.
Key Considerations: Requires licensure. Online accelerated MSNs cost $20,000–$60,000. Scholarships reduce debt for compassionate career changers.

Nursing offers rewarding, stable careers with competitive salaries.

10. Management Information Systems (MIS)

Median Early-Career Salary: $65,000
Median Mid-Career Salary: $100,000
Job Growth (2023–2033): 15%
Why It’s Lucrative: MIS blends business and tech, preparing graduates for roles like IT managers ($131,490). With 48,500 annual job openings, companies like IBM hire MIS graduates.
Key Considerations: Accessible to diverse backgrounds. Online programs, like Virginia Wesleyan’s ($15,000), are affordable. Certifications like PMP boost salaries.

MIS is ideal for those wanting tech-driven business roles with high growth.

Tips for Maximizing Your Degree’s Value

Choose Accredited Programs: Ensure regional accreditation (e.g., HLC, SACS) or program-specific (e.g., AACSB for MBAs) for employer recognition.
Leverage Online Options: Affordable programs like University of the People or UTPB keep costs low, supporting debt-free goals.
Build Experience: Internships, externships, or projects (e.g., GitHub for tech, Kaggle for data science) enhance employability.
Network Early: Connect with alumni or professionals via LinkedIn, as 85% of jobs come through networking.
Research Job Markets: Use BLS.gov or school placement reports to confirm demand and salary trends in your field.

Conclusion: Secure Your Financial Future

In 2025, petroleum engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, data science, finance, nursing, and MIS lead as the highest-paying college degrees, with starting salaries of $60,000–$83,000 and mid-career earnings often exceeding $100,000. These STEM and business-focused majors offer strong job growth (5–33%) and accessibility through online programs costing $4,860–$60,000. By choosing an accredited program, gaining hands-on experience, and networking, you can maximize ROI and graduate debt-free. Start researching universities like UCF, ASU, or Johns Hopkins today, and use tools like College Scorecard to compare costs and outcomes. Your high-paying career begins with the right degree choice!