Choosing the right major can mean a six-figure career difference over a lifetime. Here are the college majors with the highest starting salaries in 2026.
Top 10 by Starting Salary
- Computer Science: $92,000 median starting
- Software Engineering: $90,000
- Data Science: $87,000
- Electrical Engineering: $82,000
- Cybersecurity: $81,000
- Mechanical Engineering: $78,000
- Finance: $75,000
- Nursing (BSN): $73,000
- Accounting: $68,000
- Economics: $67,000
Emerging High-Demand Fields
AI/ML engineering roles now command $100,000+ starting salaries even with just a bachelor's degree. Quantum computing, climate science, and healthcare informatics are growing fast.
Remember: salary shouldn't be the only factor. The highest-earning major you'll drop out of is worth less than a moderate-earning major you'll complete and enjoy.
