Which college majors lead to the highest salaries?

A college major and university choice can significantly affect graduates’ earnings, with some programs generating annual median incomes above $200,000 just four years after graduation.

A new analysis by higher education research firm HEA Group found that computer science, mathematics, and engineering programs dominated the highest-paying rankings.

Duke University mathematics graduates recorded the highest median earnings, at $297,029. Carnegie Mellon University’s computer science graduates followed with $268,121, while its electrical engineering graduates earned a median of $250,168.

The analysis examined federal tax records for students who received financial aid and graduated in 2017–18 and 2018–19. Across all institutions and majors, median earnings were $64,500.

Some California nursing programs ranked among the top 100 of nearly 25,000 programs, with graduates earning about $150,000.

The findings offered encouraging news for liberal arts students. English majors earned a median of $48,920, while history majors could make $50,000 more.

Sociology graduates earned a median of $52,197.

The findings could help students and families compare colleges, weigh tuition costs and assess career prospects. However, some critics say earnings alone cannot capture the full value of a college education, including personal development, professional networks, and learning experience.