Want a Six-Figure Salary? These College Majors Could Get You There!

As more employers ease up on college degree requirements, students and families are asking a simple question: Is college still worth it?

The answer? It can be—if you choose the right major.

While a general liberal arts degree might not hold the same weight it once did, STEM majors and finance-related fields are still helping graduates secure six-figure salaries, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That means if you're aiming for long-term earning potential, what you study in college matters more than ever.

Engineering and Computer Fields Dominate Early Salaries

Graduates in tech and engineering start strong right after college. These are the early-career (ages 22–27) salaries for some of the highest-paying degrees:

• Chemical Engineering: $80,000

• Computer Engineering: $80,000

• Computer Science: $80,000

• Electrical Engineering: $78,000

• Aerospace Engineering: $76,000

• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering: $75,000–$76,000

• Civil Engineering: $71,000

In comparison, many liberal arts and education graduates start at around half those figures.

The Real Money Comes Mid-Career

The salary gap widens as professionals reach their 30s and 40s. Here’s what some of the top degrees bring in by mid-career (around age 35–45):

• Aerospace Engineering: $125,000

• Computer Engineering: $122,000

• Chemical & Electrical Engineering: $120,000

• Computer Science: $115,000

• Economics & Finance: $110,000

These aren’t just outliers—they’re the norm for people in these fields, especially those working in sectors like aerospace, energy, big tech, and financial services.

Why These Degrees Are So Valuable

There’s one big reason STEM and finance majors are thriving: technology is evolving fast, and companies need people who can build, adapt, and solve complex problems.

From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, businesses like Apple, Meta, and Netflix are racing to recruit talent. And with AI reshaping every industry, the demand for engineers, data analysts, and tech specialists is only growing.

It’s not just tech-focused roles, either. Majors like business analytics, applied math, and international affairs are also climbing in value, as companies look for people who can blend technical skills with strategic thinking.

Degrees That Struggle to Deliver Payoff

Not all degrees offer a strong financial return. Graduates in education and some liberal arts fields see much lower mid-career earnings. For example:

• Early Childhood Education: $49,000 by mid-career

That’s less than half what many engineering majors earn—and not much more than some entry-level jobs that don’t require a degree.

Choose Wisely, Earn Strongly

The takeaway isn’t that college is useless—it’s that the right degree can still set you up for long-term financial success.

In today’s market, what you study matters just as much as where you study. A four-year investment in a major like computer engineering or finance can lead to six-figure incomes within a decade. And in a world where job security and upward mobility are harder to come by, that kind of payoff is worth serious consideration.

Also Read: These Internships in 2025 Pay More Than Full-Time Jobs — See Who’s Hiring