The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) released the average salary for college graduates for last year and found some interesting results. Business majors aren’t at the top of the list for making the most money. Even though some business graduates make six figure incomes, the majority of them make an average of $56,808 per year. It’s still a very promising career path, but there are even better college degrees to make more money with, although you probably need to have your math skills up in order to get ahead in these industries. Here are the top money making degrees according to NACE.
1. Chemical Engineering: $66,886
If you take into account that this figure is only an average and that some chemical engineers make over $500,000 per year, you’d understand exactly why an engineering degree can change your life. Chemical engineers work within the principles of chemistry, solving issues that relate to the product or use of chemicals. Think large scale chemical manufacturing, research, planning and testing methods to create products. Chemical engineers also work in all types of industries, from energy production to food, even clothing and paper. However, you have to have a firm grasp of physics, mathematics, mechanical and chemistry to get ahead in this field.
2. Other Engineers: $60,000 to 65,000
There are over 10 different types of engineers, most of which make over $60,000. While you can make the most with a chemical engineering degree, working with chemicals isn’t for everyone. Civil engineering is another popular field and they also get a ton of jobs in both the private and public sector. Civil engineers work on roads, buildings, airports, bridges and dams. Essentially, they protect against environmental hazards but also focus on structural and water resources. Computer engineers also enjoy a rather good salary and mainly work on software, programming, coding, scripting and implementing new technology. You could also become an electrical engineer, environmental engineer, health and safety engineer or biomedical engineer.
Computer Science: $63,000
Computer scientists work with robotics, architecture and hardware to create new uses for technology, including virtual reality. However, there is a wide assortment of employment prospects within this field. Some will work directly with computer programming while others go into research. Graduates may go into software engineering, but there is also information technology, mobile and Internet app technology, web design, and hardware. Many computer science graduates actually go to work for themselves, creating intelligent software or technology to assist people with whatever they need. Computers drive our society, so it’s only natural that this is one of the professions to make the most money in..
Information Sciences &Systems: $56,868
Like computer science majors, those who get degrees in information systems also have a great job outlook. These graduates work as network architects, network administrators, database administrators, computer security specialists and telecommunications specialist. Internet security has become one of the biggest issues for our current society. Information Science & Systems graduates have various specializations, whether it’s focusing on setting up secure networks to maintaining system efficiency. Those who are able to start a business off of creating networks and protecting against cybercrimes can make a great deal more money than average.
Business Systems Networking & Telecommunications: $56,808
This area is a little different than the straight information systems and network security track. These graduates usually work in administration, as systems managers and analysts. They also create tools to integrate businesses with their consumers. Telecommunications specialists focus on implementing business systems that involve both computers and communication equipment, including video, data-communication systems and voice software. Those who currently understand business concepts and sales techniques have the potential for most success within this field, as leadership, management and computer skills are necessary for advancement.
