You don’t need a graduate degree to earn six figures these days. Many bachelor’s degree graduates can attain that early on in their careers if they pick the right major. College is expensive, but you can get your money’s worth by selecting a high-demand field, building the skills employers want, and gaining practical experience through internships and networking.
Tuition costs are on the rise, and student loan interest racks up debt faster than most grads can pay off. If you make strategic decisions when choosing your major, you’ll set yourself up for a career that pays off without taking on crushing student debt. Making good money soon after graduation isn’t a pipe dream, we’ll show you how to make it real, step by step.
We’re going to explore the highest paying bachelor’s degrees based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Computer Science/Software Development
- Engineering
- Finance
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Construction Management
- Data Science
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
Occupations in these fields typically require only a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. By the end of this article, you’ll have an idea of which careers offer the best return on investment and which best align with your skills, goals, and interests.
Key Findings on the Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025
- Strong Six-Figure Potential: Many bachelor’s degree graduates can earn $100,000+ early in their careers, particularly in fields like computer science, engineering, finance, and marketing.
- STEM Leads the Way: Technology and engineering majors (software development, data science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering) consistently rank among the highest paying, with salaries often above $120,000.
- High-Demand Healthcare Roles: Nursing remains one of the most in-demand bachelor’s-level fields, offering strong job security and competitive pay across multiple specialties.
- Business and Management Pathways: Business administration, human resources, logistics, and marketing majors can lead to high-paying management roles with salaries in the $120,000–$160,000 range.
- Return on Investment: Choosing a strategic major not only increases earning potential but also helps offset rising tuition costs and student debt by aligning education with high-growth industries.
High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree may be the most common requirement for these high-paying jobs, but it’s not the only path. Many enter these fields with an associate’s degree and experience, certifications, or related degrees. Especially recently, with many companies taking a skills-based approach to hiring. However, advanced degrees usually lead to higher earning potential and the ability to advance into leadership roles in many of these fields.
Here, we’ll give a brief overview of what each major entails, including common coursework and essential skills. We also show examples of high-paying jobs within the major, complete with information on the annual salary, job outlook, and typical education requirements.
See a program below that really speaks to you? Explore NU’s online bachelor’s programs to learn more and find your fit.
Computer Science/Software Development
Computer science majors typically study the design, development, and implementation of software and hardware systems. They focus on core concepts, such as algorithms, data structures, programming, mathematics, and computer architecture. Students learn to solve complex problems and may go on to specialize in fields like cybersecurity, network architecture, machine learning, or other in-demand roles.
Software Developer
- Analyze user or business needs to design scalable software systems, components, and architecture.
- Average Salary: $131,450/year
- Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Computer Network Architect
- Design, build, and maintain information networks for organizations. This includes implementing local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets.
- Average Salary: $130,390/year
- Job Outlook: 13% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Engineering
Engineering majors apply math, science, and critical thinking to create everything from bridges and rockets to medical devices and computer systems. Depending on their focus, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, students learn to solve real-world problems by designing, building, and optimizing systems, products, and technologies across a wide range of industries.
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Collaborate with teams to design, develop, and test the physical components of computer systems. They create blueprints and schematics, prototype hardware, and ensure components meet specifications and function reliably.
- Average Salary: $155,020/year
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Petroleum Engineer
- Design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas, ensuring production is safe, efficient, and environmentally sound.
- Average Salary: $141,280/year
- Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2023–33 (Slower than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Aerospace Engineer
- Design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, with a focus on improving performance, safety, and efficiency.
- Average Salary: $134,830/year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Electrical/Electronics Engineer
- Design, develop, and test electronic systems and devices, ranging from large power grids to the smallest microchips. They ensure these components function reliably and meet safety and quality standards.
- Average Salary: $118,780/year
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Chemical Engineer
- Apply chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to design and optimize processes for manufacturing valuable products. These processes turn raw materials into products such as gasoline, food, and pharmaceuticals.
- Average Salary: $121,860/year
- Job Outlook: 10% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Finance
Finance majors learn how individuals and organizations manage money, assess risk, do financial planning, and make investments. Coursework covers accounting, economics, financial markets, and data analysis, preparing students for roles in banking, asset management, and financial planning in a wide range of industries.
Financial Analyst
- Evaluate financial data and market trends to create forecasts and guide businesses and individuals in making informed, strategic decisions.
- Average Salary: $101,910/year
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Financial Manager
- Manage an organization’s financial well-being by analyzing data, developing budgets and forecasts, and advising on strategies to minimize financial risk and maximize profitability.
- Average Salary: $161,700year
- Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Nursing
Nursing majors are trained to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to a diverse population of patients across a range of healthcare settings. Students learn how to assess patient health, administer medications, develop care plans, and educate patients and families about health management. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical nursing practice.
These programs prepare students to become licensed as registered nurses. While an Associate Degree in Nursing can lead to licensure, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is increasingly preferred by employers and often required for specialized roles or advancement into leadership.
Registered Nurse
- Provide direct patient care by administering treatments, monitoring patient health, supporting recovery, and providing patient education.
- Average Salary: $93,600/year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Business Administration/Management
Business administration/management majors learn how organizations operate and how to lead teams and manage resources to achieve strategic objectives. Students develop skills in leadership, marketing, strategic planning, finance, and organizational behavior. This foundation prepares graduates for roles in management, consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership.
Sales Manager
- Lead and oversee sales teams, set revenue targets, develop strategic sales plans, and motivate the team to nurture customer relationships and hit sales goals.
- Average Salary: $138,060/year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Training and Development Manager
- Assess organizational needs to develop and implement programs that improve employee skills, performance, and organizational growth.
- Average Salary: $127,090/year
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager
- Ensure an organization runs efficiently by overseeing the physical operations, maintenance, facility planning, and security of buildings and offices.
- Average Salary: $106,880/year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Construction Management
Construction management majors learn how to plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. Coursework includes project management, budgeting, safety regulations, team leadership, and resource allocation. Graduates typically take on supervisory roles in residential, commercial, or infrastructure development.
Construction Manager
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee every aspect of a construction plan, from conception to completion. Their goal is to make sure projects are completed on time, on budget, and within scope.
- Average Salary: $106,980/year
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Economics
Economics majors study how societies allocate limited resources by analyzing factors like supply, demand, and market forces. Students learn to apply mathematical models, data analysis, and critical thinking to understand economic behavior and predict outcomes. The deep analytical skills they develop prepare them for careers in finance, policy, government, business, and research.
Economist
- Analyze data, trends, and policies at the macro or micro level to forecast market conditions and provide insights that help governments or organizations make informed decisions.
- Average Salary: $115,440/year
- Job Outlook: 5% growth from 2023–33 (Average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Data Science
Data science majors learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract insights that solve problems and drive decision-making. Coursework builds skills in statistics, data modeling, machine learning, and data visualization. Graduates are prepared for careers turning raw data into strategic solutions for business, healthcare, research, and technology.
Data Scientist
- Collect, clean, and analyze large data sets to uncover patterns and extract meaningful insights that drive business decisions.
- Average Salary: $112,590/year
- Job Outlook: 36% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Human Resource Management
Human resource management majors focus on strategic workforce planning, employee engagement and retention, and workplace policy implementation. Students study topics like training, compensation, and organizational strategy to learn how to foster a positive workplace culture. This major prepares graduates for roles as HR specialists, HR managers, organizational development consultants, or compensation and benefits managers.
Human Resources Manager
- Oversee all personnel functions within an organization, including recruitment, employee relations, administration of pay and benefits, and ensuring compliance with laws and policies.
- Average Salary: $140,030/year
- Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Plan, develop, and oversee employee pay structures, incentive programs, and benefits packages, ensuring they are competitive enough to attract and retain talent.
- Average Salary: $140,360/year
- Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2023–33 (Slower than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Logistics and supply chain management majors learn how to coordinate and optimize the flow of goods and materials across supply chains. They study inventory management, procurement, transportation, operations strategy, and data analysis to solve complex logistical challenges. Graduates go on to become logistics managers, supply chain analysts, and operations managers.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
- Oversee the planning, movement, storage, and transportation of goods, ensuring efficient operations and timely deliveries.
- Average Salary: $102,010/year
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2023–33 (Much faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent (but Bachelor’s degree preferred)
Marketing
Marketing majors focus on understanding consumer behavior, analyzing market trends, and promoting products and services to target audiences. Students learn digital marketing, advertising, branding, market research, and data analytics to create campaigns that build brand loyalty and drive sales. Graduates typically pursue careers in advertising, market research, social media management, or brand management.
- Marketing Manager
- Develop and execute marketing strategies based on market trends and customer behavior to drive sales and brand awareness while achieving marketing objectives.
- Average Salary: $159,660/year
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2023–33 (Faster than average)
- Typical Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
A Note on Managerial Roles
Many of the higher-paying roles on our list, such as managers, technically only require a bachelor’s degree for entry. However, they demand significant experience with employers favoring candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other relevant master’s degrees. So, keep in mind that reaching top-end salary levels likely requires experience and demonstrated leadership.
Conclusion
Earning a six-figure salary doesn’t always require a graduate degree. With the right bachelor’s program and choice of major, you can set yourself up for a high-paying, rewarding career without accruing too much debt. Many of the careers we’ve covered here have above-average projected job growth, strong salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Don’t leave your future up to chance, a strategic choice now will pay dividends for years.
Whether you’re just starting your college journey or thinking about making a career change, make sure you do your research and choose the right program. National University offers accredited online bachelor’s degrees that give you the flexibility to learn on your schedule and prepare for a high-demand career.
