Nearly one-third of all college students will change their major at least once within three years, according to an estimate by the National Center for Education Statistics. Choosing a field of study is overwhelming as it is, and program difficulty often makes the difference between pursuing or dropping a given major. According to the cited study, over half of all math majors switch concentrations, as do 35% of all STEM majors.
Science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs are also among the better-paid paths. The Brookings Institution has reported that STEM openings often take longer to fill than other roles—one sign of steady demand.
This 2026 list draws on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, which tracks real earnings for people who finished a bachelor’s degree. We rank fields by typical pay four years after graduation—the government’s best public snapshot of how incomes settle after college. We also show typical pay about one year out when that number is available. (Some small programs hide results to protect privacy.)
These figures are wages only. They don’t count stock, bonuses, retirement, or health benefits. Rankings in this article use federal data only—not private salary surveys. Read more on how Scorecard measures earnings.
EDsmart.org analyzed data gathered by EDsmartData.com for this report. The underlying earnings figures come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Quick take
- What this list ranks: Fields of study ordered by typical pay about four years after graduation (national median), based on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
- What it does not rank: Private surveys, bonuses, stock, benefits, or earnings far into a career.
- How to use it: Treat it as a national starting point, then check outcomes for your specific college, location, and career plan.
What the numbers mean
- We only looked at people who earned a bachelor’s degree, grouped by field of study.
- Higher rank means higher typical pay four years after finishing school.
- The “one year out” column is a national typical pay figure when the government publishes it; otherwise it reads “not available.”
- Some tech-related fields show very high early pay because the mix of schools and students nationwide skews selective—check a specific college before you decide.
Note on “Law” at #1: In federal data, that label covers undergraduate legal-studies-style programs. It is not the same as earning a law degree (J.D.). Typical pay one year out wasn’t published for that group.
How to read this list
Every rank is based on the same federal rule: typical pay four years after a bachelor’s degree, measured nationwide for each broad field of study. That is a different lens from a blog post that ranks “majors” by a vendor’s survey or by mid-career guesses—those can be interesting, but they are not what we used to order this list.
Engineering, computing, and math-heavy fields still take many of the top spots here, which matches what employers pay in the federal record. A name you know from headlines—petroleum engineering—still earns a strong four-year typical wage (about $104,800 in these data) but lands at #13, not #1, because other fields score higher on this measure. Oil-and-gas cycles and geography still matter for any one graduate.
Federal labels group programs into shared categories. Operations research ranks #2; computer science and computer engineering sit in the top 10 on four-year pay. Your own offer will still depend on the school you attended, the job you take, and the city you live in.
Charts and tables
Below: the five highest-paying fields on our federal measure, a chart of the top 15, and a full table of all 50.
| Topic | What we used (College Scorecard) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | National median earnings four years after completing a bachelor’s degree, by field of study. |
| “One year out” column | National median one year after completion when published; otherwise not available (privacy rules). |
| #1 field | Law in federal data means undergraduate legal-studies-style programs (~$142,745 at four years)*—not a J.D. |
| What we did not rank on | Private salary surveys, mid-career estimates, stock, bonuses, benefits, or “meaningful work” scores. |
Top 5 fields (College Scorecard)
Typical pay = national median earnings four years after completing a bachelor’s degree in that field.
| Rank | Field of study | Typical pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law | $142,745 |
| 2 | Operations Research | $122,531 |
| 3 | Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician | $120,399 |
| 4 | Mathematics and Computer Science | $118,943 |
| 5 | Marine Transportation | $117,011 |
All 50 fields at a glance
All 50 fields in one table. Pay is typical earnings across the country; a dash means the government did not publish that figure.
| Rank | Field of study | About 1 year out | About 4 years out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law | — | $142,745 |
| 2 | Operations Research | $110,457 | $122,531 |
| 3 | Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician | $101,386 | $120,399 |
| 4 | Mathematics and Computer Science | $166,573 | $118,943 |
| 5 | Marine Transportation | $87,464 | $117,011 |
| 6 | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $115,284 | $116,539 |
| 7 | Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | $108,130 | $114,055 |
| 8 | Computer Engineering | $141,588 | $109,015 |
| 9 | Computer Science | $173,344 | $107,009 |
| 10 | Real Estate Development | $49,353 | $106,061 |
| 11 | Systems Engineering | $91,178 | $105,185 |
| 12 | Computational Science | $43,834 | $104,864 |
| 13 | Petroleum Engineering | $86,761 | $104,823 |
| 14 | Paper Science and Engineering | $86,401 | $102,121 |
| 15 | Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering | $85,340 | $101,649 |
| 16 | Mining and Mineral Engineering | $90,514 | $101,390 |
| 17 | Electromechanical Engineering | $84,375 | $101,277 |
| 18 | Military Science and Operational Studies | $55,351 | $101,117 |
| 19 | Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | $139,337 | $100,647 |
| 20 | Nuclear Engineering | $81,134 | $99,297 |
| 21 | Industrial Engineering | $91,470 | $98,442 |
| 22 | Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $85,509 | $98,207 |
| 23 | Chemical Engineering | $87,830 | $98,158 |
| 24 | Construction Engineering | $90,836 | $97,303 |
| 25 | Science Technologies/Technicians, General | $71,144 | $96,876 |
| 26 | Construction Management | $99,649 | $95,124 |
| 27 | Biochemical Engineering | $70,668 | $94,996 |
| 28 | Materials Sciences | $72,216 | $94,684 |
| 29 | Engineering, Other | $80,931 | $93,989 |
| 30 | Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $89,003 | $93,843 |
| 31 | Engineering Science | $89,929 | $93,782 |
| 32 | Construction Trades, Other | — | $93,761 |
| 33 | Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $93,310 | $93,451 |
| 34 | Engineering Mechanics | $81,735 | $93,437 |
| 35 | Polymer/Plastics Engineering | $77,114 | $92,919 |
| 36 | Metallurgical Engineering | $80,627 | $92,722 |
| 37 | Statistics | $141,116 | $92,425 |
| 38 | Computer and Information Sciences, General | $146,204 | $92,374 |
| 39 | Mechanical Engineering | $92,315 | $92,135 |
| 40 | Applied Mathematics | $114,279 | $91,532 |
| 41 | Materials Engineering | $79,200 | $91,449 |
| 42 | Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | $85,630 | $90,924 |
| 43 | Engineering-Related Fields | $100,788 | $89,619 |
| 44 | Architectural Engineering | $80,481 | $89,406 |
| 45 | Engineering, General | $109,455 | $89,359 |
| 46 | Ocean Engineering | $71,788 | $89,337 |
| 47 | Engineering Physics | $72,858 | $89,154 |
| 48 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $125,646 | $88,910 |
| 49 | Mathematics and Statistics, Other | $102,938 | $88,839 |
| 50 | Insurance | $78,796 | $88,472 |
#50 Insurance
Insurance blends finance, law, and statistics as people learn how risk is priced and how policies protect households and firms. Graduates often start in underwriting support, claims, brokerage, or data roles and can move toward leadership as they learn the industry. Licensing and professional exams still shape many careers, so planning early helps. Federal earnings data show solid pay four years after a bachelor’s degree, but your city, employer, and role title will still swing paychecks more than the label on your diploma.
- About one year after graduation: $78,796
- About four years after graduation: $88,472
#49 Mathematics and Statistics, Other
This category catches math and statistics programs that do not fit neatly into a single specialty. Students still build modeling, reasoning, and computing skills that employers want in analytics, education, and technical services. Because the group is broad, two graduates can land in very different jobs with the same major name on paper. Internships and a clear portfolio of projects help you stand out. Typical pay four years out remains strong in national data, especially when graduates steer toward quantitative work rather than general office roles.
- About one year after graduation: $102,938
- About four years after graduation: $88,839
#48 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing remains one of the clearest routes from a bachelor’s degree to a licensed, in-demand job. In federal data, early-career pay can look very high because hospitals need staff, shift differentials add up, and overtime is common. By year four, some nurses change settings, cut hours for family needs, or move into education and coordination roles with different pay patterns, which can shift national medians. The lesson is not that nursing pays poorly long term—it is that averages hide many career paths inside one degree title.
- About one year after graduation: $125,646
- About four years after graduation: $88,910
#47 Engineering Physics
Engineering physics sits where advanced math and physics meet design and systems thinking. Graduates often head into aerospace, electronics, research labs, or graduate school when they want deeper specialization. The major rewards curiosity and tolerance for hard problems, not quick formulas. Pay four years after graduation is healthy in national figures, though many students eventually add a graduate degree or certifications depending on the job they want. If you like theory and building, this path keeps both doors open.
- About one year after graduation: $72,858
- About four years after graduation: $89,154
#46 Ocean Engineering
Ocean engineers work on ships, offshore structures, coastal protection, and underwater systems where salt water adds complexity to every design. Careers can track defense, energy, shipping, or environmental work, and hiring often follows big projects and policy cycles. Field experience and safety culture matter as much as grades. Typical pay four years out looks strong in federal data, but jobs may cluster near coasts and ports, so mobility is part of the story. Internships with maritime employers help you learn whether you prefer design desks or site work.
- About one year after graduation: $71,788
- About four years after graduation: $89,337
#45 Engineering, General
General engineering programs give a wide foundation before students specialize in mechanical, electrical, civil, or other branches. That flexibility helps undecided students explore, but it also means your electives and internships do the real steering. Employers still care about hands-on projects, teamwork, and communication. National earnings four years after graduation are solid, though they may trail more focused majors unless you add depth in one area. Treat the major as a launch pad and pick a lane before hiring season.
- About one year after graduation: $109,455
- About four years after graduation: $89,359
#44 Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers focus on how buildings stand up, stay safe, and perform—structure, systems, and often energy use—rather than on interior design alone. Graduates work with architects, contractors, and owners to translate drawings into safe, buildable reality. Licensure paths and local building codes shape careers, so geography matters. Pay four years out is healthy in national data, especially when graduates join firms tied to commercial or institutional construction. If you want both aesthetics and physics, this field bridges them with a paycheck attached.
- About one year after graduation: $80,481
- About four years after graduation: $89,406
#43 Engineering-Related Fields
This label covers technical programs that support engineering work—think technology, applied science, and industry-focused tracks that are not classic mechanical or electrical degrees. Graduates may work in testing, manufacturing support, technical sales, or operations. Titles vary, so networking and internships matter more than the fine print on the diploma. Federal earnings look strong four years after completion, reflecting steady demand for people who can connect blueprints to production lines. Build a coherent story about what problems you like to solve.
- About one year after graduation: $100,788
- About four years after graduation: $89,619
#42 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
This field ties together finishing trades, site coordination, and quality control as buildings move from frame to move-in ready. Graduates often manage schedules, crews, and inspections where small mistakes cost real money. Experience with codes, safety, and communication separates strong candidates from the rest. National pay four years after a bachelor’s degree is solid, especially where construction activity is high. If you like being on-site and seeing projects finish, the work stays tangible while the responsibility grows.
- About one year after graduation: $85,630
- About four years after graduation: $90,924
#41 Materials Engineering
Materials engineers choose and improve metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for everything from phones to aircraft. The work connects chemistry, physics, and manufacturing, often in labs and plants rather than cubicles alone. Industries include aerospace, autos, electronics, and energy, so hiring can track product cycles. Typical pay four years out looks strong in federal data for people who pair technical depth with teamwork. Internships in manufacturing or research help you learn whether you prefer development, quality, or supply-chain-facing roles.
- About one year after graduation: $79,200
- About four years after graduation: $91,449
#40 Applied Mathematics
Applied mathematics trains people to model real systems—finance, logistics, biology, computing—using rigorous tools instead of guesswork. Graduates often land in analytics, software-adjacent roles, or graduate programs when they want more theory. Programming skill and clear writing amplify the degree because employers hire problem solvers, not symbols on a page. National earnings four years after graduation are healthy, especially when students stack internships and projects that mirror real decisions. If you enjoy patterns and proof, this major turns abstraction into a marketable habit.
- About one year after graduation: $114,279
- About four years after graduation: $91,532
#39 Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering remains a backbone major for machines, energy, transportation, and product design. Graduates enter automotive, aerospace, robotics, HVAC, and countless smaller industries that still need hardware that moves and lasts. Hands-on clubs, design competitions, and co-ops matter as much as coursework. Typical pay four years out is strong in national figures, though regional manufacturing strength still shifts offers. It is a broad label, so early specialization through electives can sharpen your story to employers.
- About one year after graduation: $92,315
- About four years after graduation: $92,135
#38 Computer and Information Sciences, General
A general computing major builds programming, systems, and problem-solving skills without locking you into one narrow track on day one. That breadth helps students pivot among software, IT support, data work, and cybersecurity as interests clarify. Employers still ask for portfolios, internships, and the ability to explain technical choices to non-experts. Federal data show healthy pay four years after graduation, reflecting how many sectors need people who can build and maintain digital systems. Use electives early so “general” does not become “undefined” on your resume.
- About one year after graduation: $146,204
- About four years after graduation: $92,374
#37 Statistics
Statistics majors learn to design studies, test claims, and interpret uncertainty instead of chasing noisy headlines. Demand stretches across healthcare, tech, finance, government, and sports analytics as organizations collect more data than judgment. Programming and visualization skills turn theory into hire-ready work. National pay four years out is strong, though early-career figures can look unusually high when graduates take intense quantitative roles in competitive markets. If you like evidence and ethics together, this field rewards patience with a wide job map.
- About one year after graduation: $141,116
- About four years after graduation: $92,425
#36 Metallurgical Engineering
Metallurgical engineers focus on how metals are produced, shaped, strengthened, and recycled for infrastructure and manufacturing. Work often sits near mines, mills, and advanced materials labs, so geography and industry cycles matter. Safety and environmental standards are part of daily thinking, not an afterthought. Typical pay four years after graduation is healthy in federal data, reflecting specialized skills that are hard to fake. Internships with producers or suppliers help you see whether you prefer process engineering, research, or quality leadership.
- About one year after graduation: $80,627
- About four years after graduation: $92,722
#35 Polymer/Plastics Engineering
This major centers on plastics and polymer chemistry that show up in packaging, medical devices, vehicles, and consumer goods. Graduates work on materials selection, processing, sustainability projects, and product performance. Manufacturing experience and attention to detail matter because small formula changes alter strength, cost, and safety. National earnings four years out look strong, especially for students who connect lab work to plant realities. If you want chemistry with visible products, polymers touch modern life everywhere.
- About one year after graduation: $77,114
- About four years after graduation: $92,919
#34 Engineering Mechanics
Engineering mechanics emphasizes forces, motion, and solid structures—the physics that keeps bridges, vehicles, and machines from failing. Graduates often support analysis, testing, and design roles across civil, aerospace, and mechanical employers. The work rewards careful modeling and humility about safety margins. Typical pay four years after completion is solid in national data for people who pair theory with communication. Graduate study opens deeper research paths, but many bachelor’s holders start in industry teams that validate designs.
- About one year after graduation: $81,735
- About four years after graduation: $93,437
#33 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Biomedical engineering connects engineering design to human health through devices, imaging systems, and digital tools. Graduates may work for device makers, hospitals, startups, or research teams, often near regulatory requirements and patient safety. Teamwork with clinicians and scientists is routine, not optional. Federal earnings four years out are healthy, though some roles expect advanced degrees or specific experience. Internships that expose you to FDA-style quality systems can shorten the learning curve after graduation.
- About one year after graduation: $93,310
- About four years after graduation: $93,451
#32 Construction Trades, Other
This category groups construction trade programs that do not fit a single narrow label, often blending craft skill with supervision and code knowledge. Graduates may lead crews, estimate jobs, or manage safety on busy sites. Federal data suppress early-career pay for this bucket, but four-year earnings still look strong—reflecting experienced tradespeople moving into higher responsibility. Physical stamina, reliability, and communication matter as much as classroom grades. If you prefer hard hats to desk-only work, the pay can follow the skill.
- About one year after graduation: Not available
- About four years after graduation: $93,761
#31 Engineering Science
Engineering science programs stress math, physics, and interdisciplinary projects that mirror open-ended industry problems. Graduates often pursue aerospace, energy, research, or graduate school when they want more depth in one branch. The major suits students who like theory but still want to build. Typical pay four years out is strong in national figures, especially when students document team projects and technical writing samples. Treat electives as steering wheels: pick two areas employers recognize, not ten that confuse your story.
- About one year after graduation: $89,929
- About four years after graduation: $93,782
#30 Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
This path leans applied: reading plans, coordinating schedules, using software and instruments on real projects rather than proving theorems alone. Graduates often work with contractors, owners, and inspectors to keep jobs on time and within standards. Field experience accelerates pay and confidence. Federal data show solid earnings four years after completion, reflecting how much infrastructure and housing still need skilled coordinators. Professional certifications and software fluency can widen responsibilities faster than title changes alone.
- About one year after graduation: $89,003
- About four years after graduation: $93,843
#29 Engineering, Other
This catch-all label covers specialized engineering programs that do not sit neatly in a single traditional branch. Students might study niche combinations tied to local industry or emerging technologies. Because the title is vague, internships and clear project stories matter enormously in hiring. National pay four years out still looks healthy, suggesting employers reward skills even when the major name is uncommon. Own your narrative: explain what you built, measured, or improved, not just the department code.
- About one year after graduation: $80,931
- About four years after graduation: $93,989
#28 Materials Sciences
Materials science explores structure and properties from the atomic scale up, touching electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Graduates may work in labs, pilot plants, or product teams where small changes unlock big performance gains. Curiosity and patience help because breakthroughs are iterative. Typical pay four years after graduation is strong in federal data, especially when students pair research experience with communication skills. If you like chemistry and physics but want industry impact, this field connects them.
- About one year after graduation: $72,216
- About four years after graduation: $94,684
#27 Biochemical Engineering
Biochemical engineering applies chemical engineering thinking to pharmaceuticals, food, fuels, and biological processes at scale. Graduates often work in manufacturing plants where sterile technique, quality systems, and safety rules meet tight timelines. Demand ties to health products, biotech, and sustainability projects. National earnings four years out look healthy, reflecting technical depth and regulated environments. Internships in manufacturing or pilot plants help you see whether you prefer design, operations, or scale-up troubleshooting.
- About one year after graduation: $70,668
- About four years after graduation: $94,996
#26 Construction Management
Construction managers translate drawings and contracts into schedules, budgets, and safe job sites. They coordinate subcontractors, owners, and inspectors when weather, supply chains, and surprises arrive daily. Leadership and negotiation matter as much as estimating software. Federal data show strong pay four years after completing a bachelor’s degree, especially in busy building markets. Early field experience accelerates real credibility quickly; employers promote people who already know how sites actually run.
- About one year after graduation: $99,649
- About four years after graduation: $95,124
#25 Science Technologies/Technicians, General
This major prepares people to support scientists and engineers in labs, manufacturing, and quality settings—running instruments, managing samples, and keeping data trustworthy. Graduates work in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food safety, and industrial R&D. Attention to procedure beats flash; mistakes are costly. Typical pay four years out is solid in national figures, reflecting technical responsibility without requiring a Ph.D. Certifications and cross-training in software can expand roles faster than staying in one narrow task.
- About one year after graduation: $71,144
- About four years after graduation: $96,876
#24 Construction Engineering
Construction engineering blends civil engineering fundamentals with the realities of equipment, schedules, and site logistics. Graduates help design and deliver roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects where soil, weather, and codes collide. Professional licensure paths matter for long-term responsibility and pay. Federal earnings four years after completion are healthy, especially where public and private investment stays active. Co-ops that rotate you through field and office work build judgment that classrooms cannot fully teach.
- About one year after graduation: $90,836
- About four years after graduation: $97,303
#23 Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers scale processes that turn raw materials into fuels, chemicals, foods, and medicines safely and profitably. Work spans plants, pilot labs, and corporate offices where energy use and environmental rules shape decisions. Problem solving under constraints is the daily craft. National pay four years out remains strong, reflecting how much industry still rewards process expertise. Internships in manufacturing or refining help you learn whether you prefer design, operations, or technical sales support.
- About one year after graduation: $87,830
- About four years after graduation: $98,158
#22 Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion, and systems where margins for error are tiny and testing is expensive. Careers often track defense, commercial aviation, and growing space activity, so hiring can follow budgets and programs. Team projects, clear documentation, and software skills matter as much as aerodynamics grades. Typical pay four years after graduation is healthy in federal data, especially for graduates who intern with manufacturers or agencies. If you love flight and discipline, the field rewards both.
- About one year after graduation: $85,509
- About four years after graduation: $98,207
#21 Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers improve how organizations make products and deliver services—quality, speed, cost, and safety at once. They use data, simulation, and human factors to reduce waste without blaming workers first. Graduates fit manufacturing, logistics, healthcare operations, and tech companies optimizing workflows. National earnings four years out look strong, reflecting demand for people who can measure and fix systems. Internships that expose you to real bottlenecks beat textbook examples every time.
- About one year after graduation: $91,470
- About four years after graduation: $98,442
#20 Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineers work on reactors, medical isotopes, safety analysis, and radiation protection where regulation and public trust are always present. Careers may cluster around utilities, national labs, defense, and healthcare applications. Employers value meticulous habits and teamwork in high-consequence settings. Typical pay four years after completion is solid in national data, though job locations can be specialized. If you care about energy and safety science, this path pairs deep study with civic responsibility.
- About one year after graduation: $81,134
- About four years after graduation: $99,297
#19 Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
This major powers modern life: grids, electronics, telecom, signal processing, and control systems that hide inside every device. Graduates design, test, and integrate hardware and embedded software where interference and safety standards matter. Hands-on labs and project portfolios still sway hiring managers. Federal data show strong pay four years out, reflecting broad employer need across industries. Early-career medians can look very high when graduates take competitive roles in tech hubs—check local norms before you budget.
- About one year after graduation: $139,337
- About four years after graduation: $100,647
#18 Military Science and Operational Studies
These programs often align with ROTC and leadership training that prepares officers to plan operations, lead teams, and understand strategy basics. Pay and benefits include military compensation structures that civilian tables rarely capture, so apples-to-apples comparisons are tricky. Service commitments, relocation, and mission tempo define the lifestyle as much as salary. Federal earnings data still show healthy four-year figures for the bachelor’s cohort, but career paths branch widely by branch and specialty. Talk with cadre and alumni before you treat this like a typical corporate major.
- About one year after graduation: $55,351
- About four years after graduation: $101,117
#17 Electromechanical Engineering
Electromechanical engineering blends electrical circuits, controls, and mechanical systems—think robots, automated equipment, and smart hardware. Graduates troubleshoot integrated machines where failures span both wiring and moving parts. Employers want people who can read schematics, code simple controllers, and communicate across teams. Typical pay four years out is strong in national data, reflecting mechatronics demand in manufacturing and logistics. Build projects that move and sense the world; employers notice working prototypes.
- About one year after graduation: $84,375
- About four years after graduation: $101,277
#16 Mining and Mineral Engineering
Mining engineers plan how to extract metals and minerals safely, efficiently, and with environmental safeguards that communities rightly expect. Work can sit near remote operations where commodity prices and regulation swing hiring. Geology, mechanics, and project management combine daily. Federal earnings four years after graduation look healthy, reflecting specialized skills and responsibility on site. Internships with producers help you learn whether you prefer planning offices, operations, or technical services roles.
- About one year after graduation: $90,514
- About four years after graduation: $101,390
#15 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Mechatronics combines mechanical design, electronics, sensors, and software so machines can sense, decide, and act. Graduates support factory floor automation, logistics systems, medical devices, and emerging robotics markets. Rapid prototyping, disciplined testing, and teamwork matter as much as equations. National pay four years out is strong in federal data, reflecting how many industries want automation without constant human babysitting. Competitions and open-source projects help you prove skills beyond course titles.
- About one year after graduation: $85,340
- About four years after graduation: $101,649
#14 Paper Science and Engineering
Paper science focuses on pulp, paper, packaging, and sustainable fiber products that still move global commerce. Graduates work on process efficiency, product strength, recycling streams, and environmental performance. It is a niche industry, but mills and suppliers still need engineers who understand fibers and fluids. Typical pay four years after completion is healthy in national figures for people who accept specialized locations. If you like chemistry with a tangible supply chain, this major turns wood into wages.
- About one year after graduation: $86,401
- About four years after graduation: $102,121
#13 Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers help find and produce oil and gas efficiently, balancing geology, drilling, and reservoir behavior with economics and safety. Hiring and pay swing with commodity prices and policy, so stability varies more than in some other engineering fields. Field assignments and travel can be part of the deal. Federal data still show strong four-year earnings, though the rank here is no longer the automatic #1 story of a decade ago. Internships with operators help you see whether you prefer reservoirs, drilling, or production engineering paths.
- About one year after graduation: $86,761
- About four years after graduation: $104,823
#12 Computational Science
Computational science uses algorithms, simulation, and big data to study weather, physics, biology, and engineering problems too messy for hand calculations. Graduates often pair programming with domain knowledge in research, government, or industry labs. Early-career pay can look modest if people start in academic-style roles, while four-year medians rise as skills compound—check trajectories, not one snapshot. Portfolios with reproducible code matter. If you like computers in service of discovery, this major rewards persistence.
- About one year after graduation: $43,834
- About four years after graduation: $104,864
#11 Systems Engineering
Systems engineers integrate hardware, software, people, and requirements so complex products work reliably from concept to retirement. They manage interfaces, risks, and testing plans when no single specialist sees the whole picture. Communication and documentation are core skills, not side notes. Federal data show strong pay four years after graduation, especially in aerospace, defense, automotive, and tech hardware. Internships that expose you to cross-functional teams help you learn whether you prefer architecture roles or verification leadership.
- About one year after graduation: $91,178
- About four years after graduation: $105,185
#10 Real Estate Development
Real estate development blends finance, zoning, design constraints, and negotiation as projects move from idea to lease-up. Early-career pay can look low when graduates start in analyst or support roles, while four-year medians rise as responsibility for deals and delivery grows. Markets are cyclical, so location and timing matter as much as talent. Networking and internships with builders, investors, or city agencies clarify how deals actually close. Federal averages hide wide outcomes—some paths scale quickly, others do not.
- About one year after graduation: $49,353
- About four years after graduation: $106,061
#9 Computer Science
Computer science builds the theory and practice behind software, algorithms, systems, and security that power modern organizations. Graduates enter product engineering, infrastructure, data platforms, and startups at a massive scale. Employers still prioritize portfolios, internships, and the ability to ship reliable code—not leetcode alone. National pay four years out is strong, though early-career figures can look extremely high when graduates take top-tier tech offers in expensive cities. If you want flexibility across industries, this major remains a master key—with ongoing learning required.
- About one year after graduation: $173,344
- About four years after graduation: $107,009
#8 Computer Engineering
Computer engineering sits between electrical design and software, building processors, embedded systems, and devices where hardware and code meet. Graduates work on chips, robotics, automotive electronics, and consumer hardware cycles that demand both rigor and speed. Hands-on labs and capstone projects still sway hiring teams. Federal data show healthy pay four years after graduation, reflecting demand for people who can debug across layers. If you like tangible machines and programming, this hybrid path keeps both in play.
- About one year after graduation: $141,588
- About four years after graduation: $109,015
#7 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Naval architects and marine engineers design ships, offshore structures, and marine systems where buoyancy, stability, and safety rules define the job. Careers often cluster near coasts and defense contractors, with projects that last years. Attention to regulation and teamwork with crews and shipyards is constant. Typical pay four years out is strong in national data for specialized skills that are not easy to outsource casually. Internships with shipyards or design firms help you learn whether you prefer hydrodynamics, structures, or propulsion work.
- About one year after graduation: $108,130
- About four years after graduation: $114,055
#6 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
This broad field includes bachelor’s pathways tied to drug discovery, pharmaceutical science, and the business of medications. Many clinical pharmacist roles still expect doctoral training, so read job requirements carefully. Graduates may work in labs, manufacturing quality, regulatory affairs, or related business roles depending on credentials and experience. Federal earnings look strong four years out at the bachelor’s level for cohorts captured here, but titles vary widely. Internships with manufacturers or health systems clarify which doors your transcript actually opens.
- About one year after graduation: $115,284
- About four years after graduation: $116,539
#5 Marine Transportation
Marine transportation programs train people for careers on the water—navigation, marine operations, and shore-side roles tied to shipping and logistics. Schedules can include travel and time away from home, which shapes lifestyles as much as salary. Safety culture and licensing requirements are central, not optional electives. Federal data show strong typical pay four years after graduation, reflecting skilled responsibility aboard vessels and in related offices. If you love the ocean and discipline, the industry still rewards licensed expertise.
- About one year after graduation: $87,464
- About four years after graduation: $117,011
#4 Mathematics and Computer Science
This combined major builds deep math with serious computing—useful for modeling, machine learning, finance, and engineering-adjacent roles that demand both. Graduates often aim for quantitative jobs where proof habits meet production code. Internships in finance, tech, or research labs help you pick a lane early. National pay figures can show very high early-career medians when graduates take competitive quantitative offers; four-year medians remain strong but tell a different story about how cohorts spread across industries. Clarity about role and city keeps expectations realistic.
- About one year after graduation: $166,573
- About four years after graduation: $118,943
#3 Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
Nuclear engineering technology focuses on operating and maintaining reactor systems, instrumentation, and safety processes with a practical engineering lens. Graduates often work in power generation, national labs, healthcare isotopes, or related industrial settings where procedures protect public safety. Training and clearance requirements can shape timelines. Federal data show strong pay four years after completion, reflecting technical responsibility and shift structures in critical facilities. Hands-on internships help you learn whether you prefer control rooms, maintenance teams, or technical support roles.
- About one year after graduation: $101,386
- About four years after graduation: $120,399
#2 Operations Research
Operations research applies math and computing to decisions—routing, scheduling, pricing, and resource allocation—where better models save real money. Graduates often land in logistics, airlines, tech, finance, and consulting teams that live on data. Communication matters because the best model fails if leaders do not trust it. Typical pay four years out is very strong in national data, matching demand for people who can frame messy problems clearly. Projects that show impact in dollars or hours beat abstract homework alone.
- About one year after graduation: $110,457
- About four years after graduation: $122,531
#1 Law
In College Scorecard data, the “Law” field at the bachelor’s level mostly captures undergraduate legal studies and related programs—not a J.D. path to becoming a licensed attorney. Graduates may work in compliance, paralegal support, government, business, or continue to graduate school. Because the group mixes intentions, national medians describe a wide bundle of careers rather than one license. Early-career pay is not published for this bucket, while four-year typical pay ranks high—another reminder to read labels carefully. If your goal is trial practice, map the graduate degrees and exams your state requires.
- About one year after graduation: Not available
- About four years after graduation: $142,745
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Typical pay is a national median for people who finished a bachelor’s degree. Earnings figures were refreshed from the public Scorecard API on April 16, 2026. EDsmart.org analyzed data gathered by EDsmartData.com for this report.
