Are you a college student or a professional looking for a stable career? Are you wondering which bachelor’s degrees can offer you financial stability and job security? Look no further! We have researched for you and compiled a comprehensive guide to the 21 highest paying bachelor’s degrees.
Our guide covers career pay, success rate, annual median salary, projected job growth, top universities, and top-paying states, providing you with all the information you need to choose a degree that will set you on the path to success.
According to recent statistics, the median earnings of bachelor’s degree holders are 67% higher than those of high school graduates. By the end of this article, you will have accurate and up-to-date information on the highest paying bachelor’s degrees, which will empower you to make the best decisions for your future career.
The 21 List of the Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees
Looking for good-paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree? Here are some of the highest-paying bachelor’s degree programs:
1. Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
A degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration is among the best bachelor’s degrees. The graduates earn around $80,000 annually in their earlier careers and up to $160,000 annually in mid-career.
But the benefits don’t stop there!
The success rate for graduates with this degree is also incredibly high, with a growing demand for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in the job market. In fact, the annual median salary for pharmacists in 2021 was $128,710, making it one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree.
With an expected job growth of 3%, this degree is a top bachelor’s degree option with high job security and earning potential.
- Top University: University of California-San Francisco
- Top Paying State: California
2. Electrical Engineering
If you’re looking for one of the best bachelor’s degrees with high earning potential, consider a degree in Electrical Engineering. This degree is consistently ranked among the best 4-year degrees and involves designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment.
Graduates enjoy earlier career pay of around $75,000 and mid-career pay exceeding $130,000, and the success rate for graduates is high, too, with an expected job growth of 3% from 2020 to 2030.
Plus, with an annual median salary of over $100,000, it’s one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree.
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: California
3. Applied Economics and Management
A degree in Applied Economics and Management is considered one of the best bachelor’s degrees due to its wide range of career opportunities and high earning potential.
Individuals in the field can expect an earlier career pay of around $65,000 annually and a mid-career pay of over $115,000 annually.
The annual median salary for professionals in this field is around $85,000.
The success rate for individuals with a degree in Applied Economics and Management is quite high, with many graduates finding employment in fields such as finance, consulting, and management.
Additionally, the projected job growth for this field is expected to be around 5% to 7% in the coming years, making it one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree.
- Top University: Cornell University
- Top Paying State: New York
4. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering is among the best bachelor’s degrees for science and technology students.
This degree offers high earning potential with an earlier career pay of $79,202 and a mid-career pay of over $120,000 annually.
The annual median salary for professionals in this field is around $122,000. Graduates have a high success rate, finding employment in aerospace manufacturing, defense, and government agencies.
Projected job growth for this field is around 6% from 2021 to 2031, making it one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree and a field with strong job security.
A degree in Aerospace Engineering is undoubtedly among the highest paying 4-year degrees available for those interested in science and technology.
- Top University: Georgia Institute of Technology
- Top Paying State: California
5. Computer Science
A Computer Science degree is among the most in-demand and best bachelor’s degrees available today.
With an earlier career pay of around $75,000 and a mid-career pay of over $130,000 per year, individuals in this field can expect a lucrative salary.
The success rate for Computer Science graduates is also high. The annual median salary for professionals in this field is around $107,000, making it one of the highest paying 4-year and top bachelor’s degrees.
In addition, the projected job growth for Computer Science professionals is expected to be around 15% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
With the world increasingly dependent on technology, Computer Science is one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree and a field with a bright future.
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: California
6. Mechanical Engineering
A degree in Mechanical Engineering is one of the best 4-year degrees for those interested in science and technology. It offers high earning potential with an earlier career pay of around $72,000 and a mid-career pay of over $120,000 annually, making it one of the highest paying degrees.
Graduates find employment in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy, making it one of the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree.
The annual median salary for professionals in this field is around $95,000. Additionally, with projected job growth of around 2%, Mechanical Engineering is a field with strong job security and a bright future.
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: California
7. Management Information Systems and Business Data Analytics
In today’s data-driven world, a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) or Business Data Analytics can open the door to a successful career.
These fields are among the best 4-year degrees available, offering high earning potential and job security.
Graduates can expect an earlier career pay of around $78,000 and a mid-career pay of over $92,000 per year, making it one of the highest paying 4-year degrees.
MIS and Business Data Analytics graduates are crucial in driving businesses forward in the digital age.
Analyzing data and providing insights help companies make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
With a projected job growth of around 11%, there’s never been a better time to pursue an MIS or Business Data Analytics degree.
- Top University: Carnegie Mellon University
- Top Paying State: California
8. Marketing
Marketing is consistently ranked among the top bachelor degrees, with high earning potential and projected job growth.
Those with 10+ years of experience in marketing can expect an annual median salary of around $53,000, making it one of the highest-paying 4-year degrees available.
Even early in their careers, people can expect a respectable salary. Marketing graduates also have a high success rate, finding fulfilling careers in various industries.
In today’s fast-paced, global business environment, marketing professionals are critical in helping companies reach new audiences and promote their products and services.
- Top University: University of Pennsylvania
- Top Paying State: New York
9. Chemical Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering may be a great choice if you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career in science and technology.
Graduates can expect to earn an entry-level annual median salary of $46,223 and a mid-career level salary of $82,000.
The success rate for chemical engineering graduates is also high, with many finding fulfilling careers in various industries.
In addition, the projected job growth for chemical engineers is strong, with an estimated 14% increase in job opportunities expected over the next decade..
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: Texas
10. Computer Engineering
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering is among the best 4-year degrees for those interested in technology and innovation.
With a high success rate and an annual median salary of around $100,000, computer engineering is one of the highest paying 4-year degrees available, with entry-level pay of around $76,000 and a mid-career level salary of around $95,000.
Additionally, projected job growth in this field is strong, with an estimated 2% increase in job opportunities expected over the next decade.
- Top University: Stanford University
- Top Paying State: California
11. Economics
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics offers a promising career path.
Early career pay is around $60,000, and mid-career pay is over $100,000.
With a success rate of over 80%, economics program graduates are well-prepared for finance, consulting, and government careers.
The annual median salary is around $105,000, and job growth is projected to be 6% over the next decade, making it a stable and growing career choice.
- Top University: Harvard University
- Top Paying State: New York
12. Business Administration and Management
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management offers a financially rewarding career path.
Early career pay is around $55,000, and mid-career pay is over $74,000.
With a success rate of over 75%, graduates are prepared for management, marketing, and finance careers.
The annual median salary is around $53,000, for business managers in the US, offering a financially rewarding career path.
Furthermore, the projected job growth for business and financial occupations is estimated to be around 8% over the next decade, providing stable job opportunities for those pursuing this degree.
- Top University: Harvard University
- Top Paying State: New York
13. Financial Mathematics
Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Mathematics can offer you a challenging and rewarding career if you have a passion for math and finance.
Graduates of this program have an early career pay of around $70,000 per year, with mid-career pay of over $125,000.
With a high success rate, financial mathematics graduate graduates are well-prepared for banking, insurance, and investment management careers.
The annual median salary for mathematicians in the US is around $100,000. The projected job growth for mathematicians is estimated to be 9% over the next decade, providing strong job prospects for those pursuing this degree.
- Top University: Carnegie Mellon University
- Top Paying State: New York
14. Software Engineering
Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering can offer a rewarding career if you have a passion for technology and want to be at the forefront of innovation.
Graduates of this program have an early career pay of around $95,000 per year, with mid-career pay of over $115,000. With a high success rate, software engineering graduate graduates are well-prepared for software development, web development, and app development careers.
The annual median salary for software developers in the US is around $120,000. The projected job growth for software developers is estimated to be 26% over the next decade, providing strong job prospects for those pursuing this degree.
- Top University: Carnegie Mellon University
- Top Paying State: California
15. Data Science
Data is transforming how we live and work, and a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science can prepare you for a career at the forefront of this revolution.
Early career pay is around $90,000, and mid-career pay is over $120,000 for graduates of this program.
With a success rate of over 90%, graduates are well-prepared for careers in data analytics, business intelligence, and machine learning.
The annual median salary for data scientists is $125,891, and job growth is projected to be 36% over the next decade.
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: California
16. Biomedical Engineering
Biochemical engineering is a field that combines biology, chemistry, and engineering principles to develop products and processes that improve our lives.
Degree holders of this program have an early career pay of around $70,000 per year, with mid-career pay of over $98,000.
With a high success rate, graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
The annual median salary for biochemical engineers in the US is around $92,000, and job growth is projected to be 10% over the next decade.
- Top University: Johns Hopkins University
- Top Paying State: California
17. Industrial and Product Design
Industrial and Product Design is a dynamic field that combines art, engineering, and technology to create innovative products and solutions.
With a Bachelor’s degree in this field, graduates can earn an early career pay of around $73,000 and mid-career pay of over $98,000.
With a positive success rate, graduates are well-prepared for careers in various industries, including consumer electronics, furniture, automotive, and more.
Industrial and product designers in the US can expect to earn an annual median salary of around $72,000, and the projected job growth for industrial designers is estimated to be 3% over the next decade.
- Top University: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Top Paying State: California
18. Architecture
A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture prepares students to design functional, sustainable, and visually pleasing buildings.
Graduates can expect an early career pay of around $75,000, with mid-career pay of over $130,000. With a high success rate, architects can succeed in construction, urban planning, and architecture firms.
The annual median salary for architects in the US is around $73,000, and job growth is projected to be 3% over the next decade.
- Top University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Top Paying State: California
19. Health and Medical Preparatory Programs
A Bachelor’s degree in Health and Preparatory Programs is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to work in the healthcare industry.
Graduates of this program can expect an early career pay of around $47,000, with mid-career pay of over $62,000.
The success rate for graduates is also high, with many finding success in roles such as medical assistants, dental hygienists, and medical laboratory technicians.
The annual median salary for healthcare support occupations in the US is around $50,000, with job growth projected to be 17.6% over the next decade.
- Top University: University of California-San Francisco
- Top Paying State: California
20. Neuroscience
A Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience prepares students to study the human brain and nervous system.
Graduates can expect an early career pay of around $52,000, with mid-career pay of over $80,000. The success rate for graduates is high, with many finding success in fields such as research, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.
The annual median salary for neuroscientists in the US is around $80,000, and job growth is projected to be 8% over the next decade.
- Top University: Harvard University
- Top Paying State: Massachusetts
21. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering involves oil and natural gas exploration, extraction, and production. Starting with 0-5 years of experience, you can expect to make around $68K as the median annual salary.
However, if you stick with it for 10+ years, that figure jumps to around $180K!
There isn’t a specific “success rate” statistic; the annual median salary for all petroleum engineers is around $93K.
It’s no secret that the job outlook isn’t as strong as in other fields, with a projected growth of about 3% from 2020 to 2030. But don’t let that scare you – this industry plays a major role in satisfying global energy needs. So, if you’re looking for a lucrative and exciting career, petroleum engineering is definitely worth considering.
- Top University: Texas A&M University
- Top Paying State: Texas
Conclusion:
As you can see, choosing a high-paying bachelor’s degree can significantly impact your future earnings and career prospects. By pursuing one of the top 21 highest paying bachelor’s degrees, you can set yourself up for success and financial stability.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking for a career change, investing in your education and future is never too late. We encourage you to explore the options and research, considering career pay, success rates, annual median salary, and projected job growth.
And if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who may be interested in maximizing their earning potential with a high-paying bachelor’s degree.
