Top Ten Degrees for Highest Graduate Earnings

For students worldwide, choosing a field of study is not only an academic decision but increasingly a financial one. Recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that graduates in engineering and technology-related disciplines achieve the highest earnings within five years of completing their degrees. Based on this data, American media outlet CNBC compiled a report using 2024 statistics, highlighting the most lucrative undergraduate programmes.

The study examined full-time employed graduates holding a bachelor’s degree as their highest qualification. Among those aged 22 to 27, students in technology and engineering fields consistently earned the most.

Highest-Paying Degrees for Early-Career Graduates (Aged 22–27)

By comparison, the average personal annual income in the United States is approximately $45,000. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, engineering graduates continue to be in high demand, even though only six per cent of all U.S. graduates earn a degree in engineering. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming the nature of work, yet the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in engineering and technology sectors will expand over the next decade.

Top-Earning Degrees for Mid-Career Graduates (Aged 35–45)

These figures underline that graduates in engineering and technology fields enjoy long-term financial stability. Their mathematical and technical expertise ensures they remain highly competitive in the job market.

Overall, the choice of undergraduate major is pivotal not just for intellectual development but also for future earning potential and career longevity. Students who strategically align their academic focus with market demand can secure both professional fulfilment and economic security.