The Top 8 College Majors with the Highest Starting Salaries

What you choose to study in college can significantly influence your potential earnings after graduation. Legacy Online School, an online K-12 school, analyzed data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers to determine which college degrees lead to the highest starting salaries for recent graduates. As expected, graduates with degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are typically the ones who earn the most as they enter the workforce.

According to the analysis, the following eight majors boast the highest average starting salaries for new college graduates.

8. Military Technology

Military Technology majors earn an average starting salary of $66,505. Graduates with this degree are often positioned to enter the defense and aerospace sectors, where technological advancements are key components of military operations. This can translate to high-paying positions, particularly in government or private sector roles that focus on national defense.

7. Business

Business majors receive an average starting salary of $66,578. The business field is broad, offering graduates a wide array of career paths, including roles in management, finance, marketing, and operations. Given the diverse skill sets business students develop, they often secure positions in a variety of industries, contributing to their relatively high entry-level salaries.

6. Transportation

Graduates who major in transportation report an average starting salary of $67,496. This major prepares students for careers in logistics, supply chain management, and transportation engineering. The increasing demand for efficient logistics and transportation systems, especially in industries like e-commerce, has fueled a steady need for qualified professionals, resulting in competitive starting salaries.

5. Engineering Technology

Engineering Technology majors start their careers with an average salary of $69,162. Engineering Technology students are trained to apply engineering principles in practical environments. This major includes areas like electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering technology. As industries seek skilled workers to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, these graduates find themselves in high demand with strong starting pay.

4. Math

Graduates with a degree in mathematics can expect a mean starting salary of $79,859. The skills gained through a math degree are valuable across numerous fields, including finance, technology, data science, and research. As businesses and organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, math graduates are well-positioned to land lucrative roles in various sectors, boosting their earning potential.

3. Engineering

Engineering majors lead the pack with a mean starting salary of $80,085. Engineers have long enjoyed some of the highest salaries due to the technical expertise required in their fields. Whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, or other engineering disciplines, graduates are equipped with the knowledge to solve complex problems, which makes them highly sought after in industries ranging from construction to technology.

2. Maintenance & Repair

Maintenance & Repair majors boast an impressive average starting salary of $90,162. This major focuses on the skills needed to maintain and repair machinery, equipment, and systems in industries like manufacturing, utilities, and construction. The expertise of these graduates is crucial in maintaining operational efficiency, which explains their relatively high starting salaries compared to other non-engineering disciplines.

1. Computer & Information Science

Topping the list with an average starting salary of $91,411, graduates in Computer and Information Science are among the highest earners right out of college. With the increasing reliance on technology across all sectors, computer science and information technology professionals are in high demand. These graduates are typically well-prepared for roles in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis, among others, making them highly valuable to employers looking for technical expertise.

If you’re looking for a major that will provide high earning potential, pursuing a STEM-related field can significantly boost your financial prospects upon graduation. Whether in technology, engineering, or mathematics, these areas continue to produce graduates who earn some of the highest starting salaries in the job market today.