To compile this list article, we extensively reviewed various lists from reputable publications that highlight bachelor's degrees with promising future salary prospects and job opportunities. For insights into degrees with the best future pay, we consulted sources such as Pay Scale, Glassdoor, and the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
Additionally, to identify degrees offering the best job prospects for the future, we referred to reputable sources like the World Economic Forum, Business Insider, Kipling ER, and Mike.
To curate our selections, we initially pinpointed bachelor's degrees with promising future salary possibilities by analyzing rankings from Pay Scale, Glassdoor, and Georgetown University. We combined these three lists, assigning weighted scores to each degree based on its position on each list and the total number of entries. These weighted scores were then amalgamated to determine an overall ranking for each degree in terms of future work opportunities.
Subsequently, we computed an overall score for each college degree by adding its ranking in the salary prospects category to the relevant ranking in the job prospects category.
For instance, a computer science degree ranked third with a score of 95. This score is derived from adding future job scores for roles like App Developer (40), Computer Systems Analyst (38), Computer and Information Systems Manager (25), and Software Systems Developer (22) – resulting in 95 + 40 + 38 + 25 + 22 = 220. Thus, the overall score for a computer science degree is 220.
These overall scores served as the basis for ranking the degrees as the best college majors for the future.
Degrees with Strong Future Prospects in Information Technology (2025):
Computer Science: This degree, focusing on coding and software development, is versatile and in high demand, offering an average annual salary of $85,354.
Internet of Things (IoT): With a unique Bachelor of Science degree in IoT, professionals in this field earn an average of $102,691 annually.
Health Information Technology: An associate's degree in this field, completed in approximately two years, leads to a growing demand for health information technologists, earning an average salary of $35,276 per year.
Information Technology: This bachelor's degree opens doors to roles such as software developer, cyber security specialist, and IT consultant, with an average IT manager salary of $88,424 per year.
Big Data System: A master's degree in computer science with a specialization in big data system prepares individuals for roles in data analytics, offering an average annual salary of $110,351.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): This well-rounded degree, incorporating advanced math, engineering, and computer science coursework, leads to a lucrative average annual salary of $123,571 for AI professionals.
Management Information System (MIS): A versatile degree covering business theory, data analysis, and computer security, with an average annual salary of $83,335 for information systems managers.
Computer Science and Mathematics: This degree provides various career options, including roles as analysts, instructors, administrators, and engineers, with varying salaries, such as an average of $96,907 per year for senior software engineers.
Degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE):
Electrical Engineering: With a focus on electrical systems design and analysis, electrical engineers earn an average annual salary of $76,052.
Computer Engineering: Combining computer science and electrical engineering, this degree yields an average annual salary of $94,218 for those working in computer-aided engineering.
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Covering software and digital hardware systems, smart grids, and IoT, ECE graduates can expect mid-career earnings of $114,000 per year.
Other STEM Degrees with Promising Futures:
Computer Science and Engineering: Similar to computer engineering, this degree leads to roles in computer-aided engineering, with an average salary of $94,218.
Biomedical Engineering: Combining biology and technology, biomedical engineers earn an average annual salary of $67,000.
Chemical Engineering: Utilizing knowledge of biology, physics, and mathematics, chemical engineers earn an average annual salary of $74,918.
Civil Engineering: Essential for infrastructure maintenance, civil engineers earn an average annual salary of $66,733.
Industrial Engineering: Offering problem-solving skills for various settings, industrial engineers earn an average annual salary of $67,933.
Petroleum Engineering: Combining geology and engineering, petroleum engineers earn an average annual salary of $101,491.
Mechanical Engineering: A diverse field contributing to the design, construction, and maintenance of mechanical systems, mechanical engineers earn an average annual salary of $71,083.
Systems Engineering: Overseeing hardware and software systems, systems engineers earn an average salary of $80,261 per year.
Degrees in Mathematics and Science:
Actuarial Science: Using mathematics and statistics to estimate future probabilities, actuarial analysts earn an average salary of $65,229.
Applied Mathematics: Practical math applied to real-life problems, with entry-level data analyst salaries exceeding $80,000.
Physics and Mathematics: Combining complementary subjects, graduates may work in various fields, with an astronaut's average annual salary reaching $84,167.
Statistics: Data scientists, data analysts, and actuarial analysts with a statistics degree earn an average of $94,000 annually.
Physics: Physics degree holders may work in diverse industries, with an average annual salary of $86,600.
Mathematics: Offering skills for roles like finance manager, software engineer, and market research analyst, mathematics degree holders earn an average of $76,878 per year.
Biochemistry: Studying chemical processes sustaining life, biochemists earn an average salary of $72,214.
Biology: Studying living organisms, biology degree holders earn an average salary of $70,697 per year.
Biotechnology: Combining biology and technology, biotechnology specialists earn an average annual salary of $77,958.
Degrees in Building and Construction:
Construction Management: Leading construction projects, construction managers earn an average annual salary of $73,608.
Architecture: Designing structures, architects earn an average annual salary of $65,835.
These degrees not only promise lucrative salaries but also offer diverse career opportunities in rapidly evolving fields, making them strong choices for future employment.
