13 min
4
04.14.2025
In 2025, the road to a successful career is no longer just about choosing a degree – it’s about choosing the right degree. With tech booming, healthcare expanding, and industries shifting, students are faced with the challenging task of picking a path that not only sparks their passion but also guarantees a solid return on investment. This report isn’t just about stats – it’s about future-proofing your career. Which degrees will open doors to high-paying jobs, and which ones might leave you struggling to catch up? From coding to healthcare, we’ll break down the degrees that promise long-term rewards, share expert insights, and offer practical tips to help you make the smartest decision of your academic journey. Ready to chart your course toward success? Let’s dive in.
This article will help you understand which degrees will be most valuable in 2025 and which might not pay off. We will look at current trends and salary experiences. And will also give you practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your education and career.
The Current State of Higher Education and the Job Market
College has long been seen as a ticket to better job opportunities and higher pay. However, not all degrees offer the same benefits. Some graduates find themselves struggling to get well-paying jobs, while others land lucrative positions right out of school. Understanding these differences is crucial to making smart choices about your education.
Below, we break down degrees offering high, medium, and low financial returns—based on the statistics provided by the Educational Data Initiative. This will help you see which paths offer the best value for your time and money.
Image source: https://educationdata.org/college-degree-roi
Degrees That Offer You High Financial Returns
Engineering
Engineering degrees have consistently led to high-paying jobs. Fields like computer engineering and electrical engineering are particularly lucrative.
A Bachelor’s in computer engineering has an average ROI of 1,743.81% and pays for itself in just five years. Graduates start with an average salary of $96,236. The total investment is about $302,882, with $186,088 going to tuition and fees. Over a lifetime, a 2025 computer engineer can earn up to $10.860 million.
Electrical engineering is also a great option to choose. The ROI is 1,515.15%, and it pays for itself in just six years. Starting salaries are around $90,099, with the same investment cost as computer engineering. A recent graduate can expect to earn about $10.167 million, while a 2025 graduate might earn $10.961 million.
Both paths offer students excellent pay and a quick return on investment. This makes them great picks for students who want rewarding and future-proof careers.
Computer Sciences
The tech industry keeps growing. This means more jobs for computer science graduates. These jobs also come with good pay. A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Computer and Information Sciences can expect a starting salary of $85,961. The total cost to earn this degree is around $238,858, with $128,572 going to tuition and fees. That is about 54% of the total cost.
Still, the return is strong. A graduate can expect to earn about $9.7 million over their lifetime. In some cases, the number can be as high as $10.695 million. This shows that computer science is a smart choice for students looking for high-paying jobs.
Finance
A degree in finance opens doors to careers in banking and corporate finance. It also brings strong earning potential for many students. A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Finance can expect a starting salary of $85,763. The total cost to earn the degree is around $226,666. But the return is impressive. The average return on investment (ROI) is 1,842.38%. That means the degree pays for itself in just five years of working.
Over a lifetime, a graduate can expect to earn about $9.678 million. Some 2025 graduates may earn up to $10.833 million. This shows how valuable finance can be for long-term success.
Mathematics
Many students choose a math degree because it builds strong problem-solving skills. It also opens the door to careers in data science, finance, and tech. A 2025 graduate with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics can expect to earn around $9.248 million in their lifetime. That is a strong return for their effort.
The average starting salary is $74,732, and the ROI is 1,133.59%. The degree pays for itself in about seven years. Students like this because it shows long-term value. Math graduates still have a high lifetime earning potential with an initial investment of $255,991.
Accounting
A degree in accounting is a smart choice for students who like numbers and planning. It leads to careers in auditing, tax, and business management. A 2025 graduate with a Bachelor’s in accounting can earn about $9.228 million over their lifetime.
The starting salary is around $74,600. The ROI is 1,286.62%, which means the degree pays for itself in seven years. The total initial investment is $226,666, but the long-term earnings make it worth it.
Accounting is always in demand. Every business needs professionals to manage money and follow financial rules. For students, it offers stability, a strong job, and a clear career path.
Degrees with Moderate Financial Returns
Business
A Business degree is more than just a path to a job. It is a launchpad for future leaders and entrepreneurs. Many students choose it to learn how to build and grow companies.
With a starting salary of $69,514, business graduates start strong. Over a lifetime, they can earn about $8.579 million. The total cost of earning this degree is around $226,666, with tuition and fees making up $117,619 of that.
The return on investment (ROI) is 1,033.41%. It takes just eight years to break even. After that, it is profit for life. This degree offers opportunities in marketing, sales, HR, and even tech. You can lead a team or create your own brand. For students with big ideas, a business degree gives the skills to turn them into reality.
Construction, Electrical and Transportation Technologies
This degree is great for students who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. It leads to careers in building, wiring, and transportation systems. With a starting salary of $68,831 and a lifetime earning potential of $8.373 million for 2025 grads—the number speaks for themselves.
The ROI is 1,042.91%, and the degree pays for itself in just eight years. The average total cost is $218,037, with tuition making up $109,867 of that.
This field covers important industries like construction and transportation. These are jobs that keep the world moving. And they are always in demand. Students who choose this path can look forward to job security and the chance to work on projects that really matter.
Social Science
A degree in Social Science helps students understand people, communities, and the world. It is great for those who want to create real change—whether in policy, education, or public service.
The starting salary is about $67,025, and the average cost of tuition and fees is $110,368. That is over 50% of the cost of earning the degree. The full investment is $218,595.
With an ROI of 946.78%, the degree pays for itself in only eight years. After that, it is all gain. A graduate can expect to earn around $8.285 million in a lifetime.
Students who pick this field often care about society and making it better. This degree also has flexibility. You can work in law, government, and business.
Health Professionals
A bachelor’s in Health is a smart pick if you are looking for a degree with purpose and long-term stability. The health field continues to grow as populations age and healthcare needs rise. That means more jobs, more security, and a chance to make a real impact.
A 2025 graduate with a health degree can expect to earn around $8.024 million over their lifetime. The starting salary averages $66,644, and the total investment is about $296,097. Tuition and fees make up $179,993, or about 60.79% of the cost.
With an average ROI of 658.26%, the degree pays for itself in 11 years. It may not be the fastest payoff—but the long-term benefits are strong. For students who want a people-centred career with solid earnings—health is a reliable and rewarding choice.
Degrees with Lower Financial Returns
While these degrees may align with personal passions, they often yield lower financial returns.
English
A Bachelor’s in English may not offer the fastest financial return, but it builds powerful skills. Strong writing, clear thinking, and creative problem-solving are valuable in many careers.
Graduates in 2025 can expect lifetime earnings of $6.514 million. The starting salary is around $53,399. The full cost to earn the degree is $243,491, with tuition and fees averaging $132,734—or about 54.51% of the total.
The investment return is 208.23%, and the degree pays itself in 22 years. While slower than some other majors, the English degree opens doors in publishing, education, media, and even tech.
English will always remain a strong and meaningful choice for students who value creativity and communication. It is a degree that adapts to the world and gives graduates the tools to do the same.
Psychology
A psychology degree is perfect for students who want to understand the human mind. It is a great choice for those who enjoy helping others and solving real-life problems.
This makes psychology a smart pick for students who want options. The starting salary is about $53,144, and the total cost of earning the degree is around $234,498. Tuition and fees make up about 53.16% of that.
The average ROI is 207.80%. It takes about 22 years to break even. After that, earnings can grow. A 2025 graduate may earn up to $6.510 million over a lifetime.
While the ROI is not the highest, the real value is in flexibility. This degree allows students to explore many fields and grow their careers over time. Psychology is great if you are curious about people and want a degree with broad possibilities.
Liberal Arts & Humanities
A degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities is not just about numbers. It is about skills that last a lifetime. It builds strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
While the average ROI is -42.78%, and the starting salary is around $47,854—this degree offers more than just a paycheck. The total investment is about $218,037, and the tuition alone makes up 50.39% of that.
Over a lifetime, a 2025 graduate could earn around $5.624 million. It may not top the charts in financial return, but it gives students the freedom to follow their passion and explore ideas.
Degree Comparison: Financial Returns in 2025
| Degree | Category | Starting Salary | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | High Return | $96,236 | 1,743.81% |
| Electrical Engineering | High Return | $90,099 | 1,515.15% |
| Computer Science | High Return | $85,961 | 1,752.59% |
| Finance | High Return | $85,763 | 1,842.38% |
| Mathematics | High Return | $74,732 | 1,133.59% |
| Accounting | High Return | $74,600 | 1,286.62% |
| Business | Moderate Return | $69,514 | 1,033.41% |
| Construction/Electrical/Transportation | Moderate Return | $68,831 | 1,042.91% |
| Social Science | Moderate Return | $67,025 | 946.78% |
| Health | Moderate Return | $66,644 | 658.26% |
| English | Lower Return | $53,399 | 208.23% |
| Psychology | Lower Return | $53,144 | 207.80% |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | Lower Return | $47,854 | -42.78% |
Our recent survey indicates that students seeking degrees in high-return sectors like Computer Science and Finance anticipate starting earnings ranging from $85,000 to $96,000. In comparison, those entering fields such as Liberal Arts & Humanities estimate starting salaries about $47,000. These expectations align with the return on investment data we've compiled, highlighting the importance of aligning educational choices with financial goals.
Emerging Trends Influencing Degree Value
A few big trends are shaping which degrees will be most valuable in 2025. Knowing about them can help you choose a smart path.
Tech Is Taking Over
Technology is changing everything. With AI and automation growing fast—jobs that need high skills like data science or cybersecurity are in high demand. On the other hand, some jobs may disappear as machines take over. So, keeping your tech skills sharp is super important.
Healthcare is Growing
Healthcare jobs are booming as more people get older. Roles like health practitioners and physical therapy helpers are on the rise. A healthcare degree is definitely a solid choice if you want a stable job with good pay.
Green Jobs are Rising
People are paying more attention to the environment. That means careers in environmental science and sustainability are becoming more popular. These degrees not only help the planet but also open doors to exciting new jobs.
Practical Tips for Students in 2025
- Follow Your Interests: Pick something you actually enjoy. If you like what you do, you are more likely to succeed and be happy in your job.
- Check the Job Market: Look up which jobs are growing. Sites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you see what’s in demand.
- Think About Costs and Earnings: College is not cheap. Choose a degree that gives you a good return on your investment.
- Get Real-World Experience: Try internships, part-time jobs, or co-ops. They help you stand out and learn what the job is really like.
- Be Ready to Keep Learning: The job world keeps changing. Be flexible and willing to learn new things to stay ahead.
Final Say
Picking the right degree is essential for students who want to build a strong career. It can shape your job options and future income. You can make a smart choice by looking at the trends and knowing what matters to you. Yes, money matters! But so is doing something you love. Find the sweet spot between passion and practicality. You will be on the right path to a successful and meaningful career.
