Best Degrees to Get in 2025
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College education is a significant investment in one's future. It's not just about landing that first job after graduation, but also about long-term career satisfaction and earning potential. Many degrees offer both immediate and lasting benefits, setting graduates up for success in various fields.
Some of the most valuable degrees are in STEM fields, business, and healthcare. These programs often lead to high-paying careers with strong job prospects. Other degrees, like those in humanities and social sciences, can provide a solid foundation for graduate studies and diverse career paths.
The true value of a degree goes beyond starting salary, encompassing opportunities for growth and advancement over time.
Key Takeaways
- STEM degrees typically offer high salaries and strong job prospects
- Some degrees provide a foundation for further education and diverse careers
For further insight into anticipated job market trends, consider exploring the Bureau of Labor Statistics resources.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Without further ado, this is EDsmart’s list of the best majors and career choices that can land you a position in the future job market.
Engineering Fields and Salaries
Engineering Fields and Salaries
Engineering offers many paths for problem-solvers. Some specialties pay very well. Petroleum engineering is one of the highest-paying fields. These engineers design systems to get oil and gas from underground. With a bachelor's degree, they can earn $108,704 on average. Top earners make $191,000 or more.
Operations research and industrial engineering are also good choices. These fields focus on making businesses run better. Even with just a bachelor's degree, graduates can make $100,000 on average.
Other well-paying engineering fields include:
- Systems engineering
- Marine engineering
- Aeronautical engineering
Chemical engineers also earn good money. Their median income was $112,100 in 2023.
Here's a quick look at some engineering salaries:
| Engineering Field | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Petroleum | $108,704 |
| Operations/Industrial | $100,000 |
| Chemical | $112,100 |
Engineers with these degrees can often earn more with bonuses and profit sharing. The job market for engineers looks strong, with many fields offering good pay and interesting work.
Nursing Career Prospects
Nursing offers a rewarding career path with strong earning potential. Registered nurses earn a median salary of $86,070, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-compensated healthcare role without the extensive schooling required for medical doctors.
Career advancement opportunities in nursing are plentiful. Nurses who pursue additional education can boost their income significantly:
- Nurse practitioners (master's degree required): $129,480 median salary
- Nursing directors: $90,697 average annual salary
The job market for nurses looks bright. Employment is expected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033. For nurse practitioners, the growth rate is even more impressive at 40%. This surge in demand is largely due to the aging population's increasing healthcare needs.
Key benefits of a nursing career:
- Competitive pay
- Various specialization options
- Strong job security
- Opportunities for advancement
- Meaningful work helping others
Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, and their importance continues to grow. With solid earning potential and a positive job outlook, nursing remains an appealing career choice for those passionate about healthcare and patient care.
Computer Science Career Prospects
The field of computer science offers a wide array of job opportunities with attractive salaries. People skilled in software programming, computer system management, and data manipulation are in high demand.
As of late 2024, the average yearly income for computer science graduates stands at $120,634. This figure can vary based on factors like job location and specific role.
The table below shows median salaries for different IT jobs in 2023:
| Job Title | Education Needed | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer & Information Research | Master's degree | $145,080 |
| Computer Network Architects | Bachelor's degree | $129,840 |
| Computer Programmers | Bachelor's degree | $99,700 |
| Computer Support Specialists | No degree needed | $60,810 |
These numbers highlight the earning potential in various computer science roles. The highest-paying jobs often require advanced degrees, but entry-level positions can also offer good starting salaries. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled computer science professionals is likely to grow.
Mathematics Career Opportunities
Math skills open doors to many lucrative and growing job fields. People who study math can find work in various industries that need experts to analyze large amounts of data.
Actuaries play a key role in finance and insurance. They look at numbers to figure out risks for companies. In 2023, the typical actuary made $120,000 a year. To move up in this job, actuaries must pass several tests.
Another math-related job is statistician. These pros often need more school beyond a bachelor's degree. Their pay in 2023 was about $104,860 per year. Both actuary and statistician jobs are growing fast:
- Actuary jobs: Expected to grow 22% by 2033
- Statistician jobs: Expected to grow 11% by 2033
Math skills are in high demand. Companies and governments need people who can work with numbers to solve complex problems.
Science and Medical Careers
Science and medical fields offer many well-paying job options. Some of these careers require advanced degrees, while others need only basic training or certifications.
A degree in aeronautics can lead to high earnings, with average salaries around $92,000. Biology graduates often find work as microbiologists, earning about $85,470 per year.
Medical doctors are among the highest-paid professionals. Family medicine doctors make around $240,790 yearly. Specialists like dentists and optometrists earn $170,910 and $131,860 respectively.
Other healthcare roles also offer good pay:
- Physician assistants: $130,020 (master's degree)
- Chiropractors: $76,530 (doctoral degree)
Many science and medical jobs have strong salaries without needing advanced degrees:
| Job Title | Education | Yearly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Bachelor's + PharmD | $136,030 |
| Dental Hygienist | Associate's | $87,530 |
| Nutritionist | Bachelor's | $69,680 |
| Clinical Lab Tech | Bachelor's | $60,780 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | Certification | $58,740 |
| Medical Assistant | Training | $42,000 |
These fields often have good job prospects. The College Scorecard can help students compare programs and costs for science degrees.
For those interested in computer-related fields, a degree in computer science and mathematics can be very valuable. This mix of skills is in high demand across many industries.
When choosing a science career, it's smart to look at both pay and job growth. Some roles may offer lower starting salaries but have more room for advancement. Others might pay well right away but have limited growth options.
Managing Money and Finances
Number Crunching and Financial Reports
Accountants play a crucial role in business. They track money, create financial reports, and make sure everything adds up. In 2023, accountants with a bachelor's degree made about $79,880 per year on average.
Some accountants become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). These pros take a tough test to earn this title. CPAs often make more money - around $99,000 a year as of late 2024.
CPAs do important work like:
- Preparing tax returns
- Auditing company books
- Giving financial advice
To become a CPA, you need to:
- Get a bachelor's degree
- Pass the CPA exam
- Get work experience
- Keep learning to keep your license
Money Management and Investment
Finance experts help businesses and people make smart choices with money. They look at markets, stocks, and economic trends to give advice.
Financial analysts are key players in this field. They study data to pick good investments. In 2023, financial analysts with a bachelor's degree made about $99,890 per year on average.
Many finance jobs don't require a specific degree. You can learn a lot on the job. But some roles need extra certifications, like:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Here's a quick look at some finance jobs and their pay:
| Job Title | Median Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | $156,100 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $99,580 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $77,860 |
| Loan Officer | $69,990 |
Financial managers make the most money. They oversee a company's financial health and make big money decisions.
Business degrees in finance or accounting can open doors to these high-paying jobs. But remember, success often comes from a mix of education, skills, and experience.
People Skills and Critical Thinking
Degrees in subjects like English, philosophy, and sociology build important skills. These include thinking deeply and talking clearly. Such abilities can help in many jobs.
Political science is a smart choice for some. It helps people who want to work in government. But it's also good for other fields. Many lawyers start with this degree. Lawyers earned around $145,760 per year in 2023.
Economics is another field with good pay. People who can study complex money data do well. They made about $115,730 yearly in 2023. But many of these jobs need more school after college.
These degrees also help for more learning later. They can lead to MBA programs or other graduate studies. The skills from these majors help students think in new ways. This can be very useful in business and other areas.
Best-Paying College Degree
Engineering tops the list of lucrative college majors. New graduates in this field can expect to earn between $65,000 and $80,000 right after finishing school. This high starting salary makes engineering an attractive choice for students looking to maximize their earning potential.
Top College Majors Today
Health professions stand as the leading choice for college students. Business programs follow closely behind in popularity. Liberal arts round out the top three fields of study. These trends reflect current student preferences and career aspirations.
Top College Majors for Future Careers
In the coming years, some fields are expected to see strong growth. Promising majors include:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Nuclear Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Physics
These programs equip students with skills likely to be in high demand. Graduates may find good job prospects.
Making the Right Career Choice
Choosing a college degree requires careful consideration. It's crucial to align your passions and talents with job market trends and earning potential. Don't rely on assumptions about high-paying careers. Research is key to understanding hiring rates, starting salaries, and mid-career earnings in different fields.
Your resume is often the first impression you make on employers. Craft it carefully to maximize your chances of landing a good job. Include relevant keywords and use a format that will pass computer screenings used by many companies.
If you find yourself unhappy with your initial career path, remember that changing fields is possible. It may involve additional education and costs, but many of your previous college credits can often be applied to a new program.
Key factors to consider when choosing a degree:
- Personal interests and skills
- Job market demand
- Salary potential
- Career growth opportunities
Remember, the best college fit is unique to each individual. Take time to explore different options and gather information before making a decision.
Further Reading: Most Affordable Online Colleges
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
- Arts and Design Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023a).
- Liberal Arts: Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023b).
- Average Cost of College [2023]: Yearly Tuition + Expenses: Education Data Initiative (Hanson, 2023).
- Media and Communication Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023c).
- Digest of Education Statistics, 2020: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2020a).
- NCES Fast Facts Tool: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2020b).
- Digest of Education Statistics, 2022: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2022).
- Linking College Majors to Careers: Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Torpey, 2021).
