Students who are about to start their college education and contemplating a field to pursue should take a look at top-paying college degrees right now.
Unquestionably, choosing a college major is one of the most impactful decisions you’re going to make. While some people have their entire future mapped out, some don’t – and that’s perfectly okay. It’s important to stay informed and on top of current tides that dictate the tempo of today’s society. As times rapidly change, some things quickly dry up, while others always stay in demand.
To find out which top-paying college degrees are currently in demand, keep reading!
A Shift in Top Paying College Degrees
The panorama of professional fields underwent different adjustments to fit into the shared “new normal”.
Not so long ago, college programs that centered around engineering, especially petroleum and chemical engineering, ruled as the most popular ones. They brought jobs even before graduation.
Nowadays, the tables have turned in favor of a wholly different sphere – graduates that hold degrees in the tech domain are in high demand. While the paradigm has notably shifted, new college routes with favorable prospects keep emerging.
What are the Top Paying College Degrees Right Now?
Computing and Digital Technology
- Median salary: $91,250
Digital technology has an unyielding hold on the job market. It pinned one thing down for sure: It is there to stay. The global pandemic brought on an almost complete merge of the digital/personal/business lives of many individuals. Therefore, it changed the currents of computing and digital technology once and for all.
The most in-demand area of employment pertains to IT and its many branches. A degree in computing and digital technology will not only open many doors for students. The scope of potential careers that this degree can unlock seems to be limitless. From programming to software analysis and development, it seems easy to find an IT fit for everyone.
Environmental Engineering
- Median salary: $92,120
In light of how much the environment suffers at the hands of humans, environmental engineering is one of the disciplines that have experienced exponential growth. While fixing the future is not an easy job to undertake, the climate change crisis is getting more serious as time passes. Therefore, the demand for environmental engineers remains at an ever-growing high.
Environmental engineers have a socially responsible job.. They need to create and implement projects that improve the overall situation with the environment. It is worth noting that environmental engineering has an industrial job growth rate of 8% per annum. Consequently, the majority of environmental engineers are satisfied with their job prospects and careers.
Nursing
- Median salary: $73,300
The global COVID-19 pandemic cemented the demand for medically trained personnel, which means that this field doesn’t lack popularity. While nursing is not the most highly paid medical profession, it certainly is in the highest demand as of recent.
Nursing can be a wise career choice, and it offers several career channels that you can progress onto. Keeping in mind that the global pandemic showcased a significant shortage of nurses, obtaining a degree in nursing can lead to many prosperous job offers. Currently, BSN-prepared nurses are the most sought-after registered nurses. They can advance into leadership or management roles quicker than nurses with an associate degree.
Marketing
- Median salary: $74,464
Marketing is a dynamic and well-paid sphere. It is also very competitive for both digital and traditional branches alike. It allows a diverse spectrum of engagements, which can be highly individualistic in the sense of what you choose to specialize in. Once established, marketers are able to lead financially secure lives, with amazing opportunities and a high salary.
A hot tip for students who choose to pursue a degree in marketing is to apply for various internships. Acquiring hands-on experience will help you supercharge your career once you’re out of college.
Actuarial Science
- Median salary: $108,350
Dispel all the doubts that you might be harboring: Actuarial science is far from boring and far from being a dying career. In fact, it’s predicted that there will be a 20% increase in the demand for actuaries on the global level.
Graduates with a diploma in actuarial science have amazing salaries. They can also brag about having low stress yet mentally stimulating employment, which is rarely found in the “new now” of the world as we know it. If you consider being an actuary, be prepared to invest a lot of time and energy into studying. The exams and preparations are challenging but so worth it in the end.
Choose the Top Paying College Degrees
Getting a college education is an amazing step in whichever direction you decide to go. However, it’s always good – and wise – to know where you’re investing your time and energy.
The top-paying college degrees can ensure a safer, more secure future in different aspects for all prospective students. They are also challenging and demanding in their own ways. So, whether you choose an IT-pertaining degree or you find yourself interested in saving the environment, it’s up to you. But make sure it’s worth your while, and choose what’s right for you!