College is a big deal for most young adults. After all, it’s the first time they are venturing out in the big wild world solo. It’s also a huge decision and investment, given its huge price tag. It’s the third reality, the high cost, that is influencing what these youngsters decide to study for at least four years. If you are heading to college soon, you may find this article helpful because it discusses the most popular college majors right now.

It All Depends on How High the Starting Salary Is!

The average student who takes out federally backed student loans owes about $39,075 when he or she graduates. Add the fact that the average college student borrows about $30,000 in loans, and you have a lot of students who graduate in substantial debt. Here’s another fact: once a student takes out a student loan, he or she MUST pay it back because student loans CAN NOT be discharged in bankruptcy.

So, it’s not surprising that most Gen Zers are ignoring the advice I was given when I was in college over two decades ago, “Study a field that makes you happy.” College seniors have other obligations they have to deal with, like bills to pay. Add to that fact that most entry-level jobs pay much less now than they did over two generatiosn ago, and you have young professionals who are desperate to make as much money as they can after they graduate.

It’s time to list some of the top money-making majors as ranked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Incidentally, the majors I am going to list now by Return on Investment (ROI) are also among the fastest-growing occupations.

• Engineering majors top the list with the highest ROI at 326.6%.
• Computer Science and Computer Information Technology with an ROI of 310.3%.
• Nursing with an ROI of 280.9%.
• Accounting with an ROI of 261.3%.
• Biochemistry with an ROI of 248.2%.

Interestingly enough, many creative majors are also trending now because of their higher ROI. Here’s the list:

• Advertising, promotions, and marketing manager degrees have the highest ROI at 511.4%.
• Public relations and Fundraising manager degrees have an average ROI of 426.2%.
• Art director degrees have an average ROI of 347.9%.
• Graphic designer degrees have an average ROI of 192.4%
• Archivist, cultivator, and museum worker degrees have an average ROI of 186.6%.

However, I must add that IT degrees may not be as popular after this year since AI is rapidly taking over many entry-level roles.

Why Does Engineering Top the High-Earning Majors List and Which Ones Pay the Most?

You can’t have functioning societies without engineers. That’s why engineering majors pay so much. I present you with a list of the three highest-payine engineering majors:

• Aerospace engineering majors have an average ROI of 427%. Most entry-level positions pay about $130,720. A talented engineer with five years of experience can make up to $653,600.
• Mechanical engineering majors have an average ROI of 325%. Most entry-level positions pay up to $99,510. Talented mechanical engineers having five years of experience can make up to $497,500.
• Civil engineering majors have an average ROI of 313.2%. Most entry-level positions pay up to $95,890. Talented mecanical engineers with approximately 5 years of experience can make up to $479,450.

What You Should Know About Comp Sci Majors

I recently wrote a post about many new comp sci graduates being forced to work low-end service or retail jobs because advanced AI tools are taking over many of the repetitive tasks associated with entry-level work. While this is true, many entry-level comp sci positions remain. Though perhaps supply greatly outstrips demand as far as entry-level comp sci jobs are concerned.

However, talented comp sci majors with some prior experience in the field may well be able to land a plum job after graduating. That’s especially true if they can convince employers that they are able to do more complex and demanding jobs well. That’s probably why computer science degrees are a runner up in the highest-earning entry-level careers in America.

Computer science is a vast and complex field, especially considering how fast-changing and improving AI tools have impacted it. If you are an exceptional computer science graduate with some experience in your major, you may want to apply for jobs requiring the following degrees because they have the highest short and long-term earning potential:

• Computer information systems and managers have an average ROI of 553.7%. Most entry-level positions pay up to $169,510. Employees with at least five years of experience can earn up to $847,550.
• Software developers and quality assurance analysts and testers have an average ROI of 425.1%. Most entry-level position pay up to $169,510. Workers who have been in the field for about five years can earn up to $650,800.
• Information security analysts have an average ROI of 393.1%. Most entry-level positions pay up to $120,630. People with five years of experience can earn up to $691,800.

Since you’re looking for your first real job, I thought I would give you some useful advice that may turn out to be a real game changer for you. The World Economic Forum’s recent The Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that 60% of employees predict that those who master AI will be the best poised to find a good-paying job faster.

If you are a high school senior and want to attend college soon, I am going to list the hottest fields you should major in, mainly because they are so driven and impacted by technology, especially AI:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data
• Cybersecurity
• Network Management
• Technological Literacy

Another pearl of wisdom. It’s perfectly okay if you decide not to go the college route after graduating high school. You can earn good money (often well into the six figures, especially after a few years of experience) by going to vocational school and working in a trade as a plumber or electrician.

What You Major in College Now Matters More Than Ever

It may not be wise to choose a degree in liberal studies, DEI, or underwater basket weaving if you want to go to college. Sure, you can go that route if your parents are footing the entire bill. But you should choose a field you like with a higher ROI, especially if you have to take out student loans and you have to support yourself after graduating. The good news is that you now have more insights into that after having read this article!