Top College Degrees that Pay the Most

Choosing the right college degree isn’t just about following your passion—it’s also about setting yourself up for a strong financial future. If your goal is to reach financial independence faster, picking a high-paying degree can help you get there.

The sooner you earn a solid income, the sooner you can save, invest, and build wealth. High-paying degrees open doors to careers that don’t just pay the bills—they help you crush debt, grow your savings, and never live paycheck to paycheck.

Here’s a look at some of the top college degrees that bring in the most money and why they’re worth considering.

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers help find and drill for oil and gas. It’s tough work that needs special training, which is why it pays so well. The average income is around $141,280 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These jobs are usually tied to big companies that need energy to run the world.

If the goal is to make serious money fast, this degree is a smart choice. It can help someone reach financial independence a lot quicker than most jobs. The work may be remote or in the field, but the paycheck is strong.

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Computer Science

A computer science degree can lead to jobs like a software developer or a systems engineer. These jobs are in high demand and often come with remote options. The average pay is about $139,000 a year, according to Glassdoor. Big tech companies are always looking for people who know how to build programs, apps, or websites.

If you desire to make a high income while possibly working from home, this is a great degree to get. It also helps build skills that can be used for freelance work or a side hustle.

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Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers build and fix systems that run on electricity, from power grids to small gadgets. This type of work takes strong math and problem-solving skills. The average income is about $111,610 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s a top-paying job because almost every company depends on electrical systems. There are also jobs in tech, defense, and clean energy. This degree can lead to long-term financial security.

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Computer Engineering

Computer engineers work with both hardware and software. They help build things like computer chips, phones, and smart devices. This job pays well because it takes a mix of tech knowledge and engineering skills. The average yearly income is around $75,000, based on PayScale data.

This kind of work is in demand as more things become “smart” or connected to the internet. It’s a strong option for someone who wants to work in tech and make good money.

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Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers design planes, rockets, and satellites. The job is hard and stresfful, but it pays off. The average income is about $134,880 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These jobs are often tied to government or space programs and high-tech companies. Because the work is so detailed and important, it comes with a big paycheck. With a top secruity clearance, you can increase your earning potential. If someone likes math and machines, this degree can lead to a dream job.

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Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers build and test machines. That includes cars, factory tools, and robots. This kind of work pays well because it’s used in many industries. The average salary is around $102,310 a year, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A lot of companies need engineers who can solve problems and make things run better. This degree is solid for long-term income and job growth.

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Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineers make systems work better. They find ways to save time, money, and materials in factories and offices. This job pays about $124,000 a year on average, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s a smart degree for someone who likes fixing how things work. A lot of companies hire for this role, from hospitals to shipping centers. It’s one of those jobs that quietly brings in a strong paycheck.

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Information Technology

An IT degree can lead to jobs in tech support, systems management, or cybersecurity. These jobs often pay well because they’re needed in every company. The average income for IT managers is around $171,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many people in this field also work from home, so it is a flexible option that brings in a high paycheck. For someone who wants solid income and job security, this degree works well.

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Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design and build roads, bridges, and buildings. These projects are huge and need expert planning. That’s why civil engineers earn about $99,940 a year, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This degree helps land steady jobs with good pay.

It also offers the chance to work on big projects that people use every day. The work is hands-on and the paycheck can support long-term savings.

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Actuarial Science

Actuaries look at numbers and risk, mostly for insurance and finance companies. This job starts pays around $75,000 per year, according to the Society of Actuaries, but quickly can mmove up to $150k with a fellowship. Senior managers are likely to make over $200,000 a year. It takes strong math skills, but the income is worth it.

There’s less stress compared to other high-paying jobs and the work can be done in an office or from home. This degree is great for someone who likes math and wants a strong paycheck. It’s one of the highest-paying jobs that doesn’t need physical labor.

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Finance

A finance degree can lead to jobs like financial analyst, investment banker, or money manager. These jobs are tied to big paychecks and bonuses. The average salary is around $156,000 per year for financial managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This degree teaches how to handle money, which makes it valuable in banks, companies, and investment firms. It’s a strong choice for someone who wants to understand how money and number correlate. The income potential is high, especially in major cities or top firms.

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Business Administration

This degree covers management, marketing, and operations, which helps with running a business or leading a team. It’s one of the most flexible degrees and fits many job types. Management jobs can pay around $117,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A business degree opens doors to high-paying work in companies of all sizes. It’s also useful for someone who wants to start a side hustle or run their own business. That kind of income power can support long-term financial goals.

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Pharmacy

A pharmacy degree leads to work as a licensed pharmacist. These jobs pay about $137,750 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacists make good money because they deal with medicine and patient safety. It’s a stable job with clear steps to get there.

Once licensed, the income is strong, and the demand is steady in hospitals, drug stores, or clinics. This job helps pay off student loans faster and can support building wealth.

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Nursing

Nurses are needed everywhere, and the work is steady. A registered nurse makes about $93,070 per year, and nurse practitioners can earn over $132,000, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nursing is a solid degree because healthcare never slows down. It also allows for flexible schedules, travel work, and good benefits. With a strong income and job security, it’s a good way to work toward financial independence.

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Economics

An economics degree helps with jobs in finance, research, or data analysis. It teaches how money and systems work together. The average pay is about $115,040 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Companies and governments hire economists to study markets, prices, and policy. The degree builds skills that are useful in high-income roles. For someone who likes numbers and wants to understand money, this degree pays off.

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Applied Mathematics

Applied math degrees lead to jobs in data science, engineering, or finance. These roles often pay well because the math is used to solve real-world problems. The average income is around $122,110 per year, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Math skills are in high demand, especially in tech and research. It’s a smart degree for someone who wants strong income and steady job options. The work can be remote too, depending on the role.

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Statistics

Statisticians work with numbers and data to find trends and answers. This job pays about $103,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s used in business, healthcare, government, and tech.

The degree leads to steady jobs with good pay and often flexible hours. This is a strong pick for someone who likes patterns and solving puzzles. Over time, the income helps build wealth faster.

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Construction Management

Construction managers plan and oversee building projects. It’s a hands-on job that still comes with high pay—around $107,210 per year, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This job is always in demand because buildings and homes are always being built.

It’s a solid career for someone who doesn’t want to sit at a desk all day but still wants a strong paycheck. The degree helps with both job skills and money skills.

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Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers work on products like fuel, food, and medicine. This degree pays well because it mixes chemistry and engineering. The average salary is about $122,260 per year, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s a job that needs focus and problem-solving, but it can lead to high-income roles in big industries. With this kind of paycheck, reaching financial goals can happen faster. The work is often in labs or plants, but the income makes it worth it.

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Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS mixes business with tech, which helps companies run better with software and data. Jobs in this field pay about $171,240 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many roles in MIS can be remote, which adds flexibility.

This degree is useful in almost every type of company, from small businesses to big corporations. It’s a great pick for someone who wants a steady paycheck and long-term career options. The income helps make saving and investing easier.

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Now, check out the highest paying jobs with the less stress

Picking a college degree is a big decision, especially if the goal is to make good money and reach financial freedom faster. These high-paying degrees can lead to jobs that offer strong income, job security, and long-term stability.

Whether it’s tech, healthcare, or engineering, the right degree can make it easier to save, invest, and live life with less money stress. It’s not just about how much you earn—it’s also about how quickly you can build a solid future.

For more tips like this, follow Money Bliss. And if you’re looking for work that pays well without the pressure, check out the list of highest paying jobs with the least stress next.

To learn more: 20 Highly Unusual Low Stress Jobs That Make Over $100k

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