Latest news with #StudentChoice
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Degrees that pay: 5 courses to secure a fat paycheck by 2030
College degrees with high ROI For decades, the pursuit of a college degree has been sold as the golden ticket to financial security and upward mobility. But in today's world, where a four-year college education in the United States can cost over $153,000, that golden ticket is looking increasingly expensive. For many students and families, the question is no longer just "Should I go to college?" but rather, "What should I study to make it worth the price tag?" In response to this growing concern, a new study conducted by Student Choice, drawing from data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has turned the spotlight on academic degrees with the highest financial return after just five years in the workforce. At a time when nearly 43 million Americans are weighed down by federal student loan debt, this analysis is more relevant than ever. If you're looking to future-proof your finances, here are the top degrees that promise not just knowledge, but a lucrative return on your educational investment, according to the data presented by the Bureau of Labour Statistics. 1. Engineering Top Role : Aerospace Engineer Highest ROI Job : 326% Engineering continues to be the cornerstone of high-value education. From designing aircraft to building the next green city, engineers are in demand across industries. With a median ROI exceeding 326%, engineering majors see their tuition costs not just recouped, but more than tripled, within five years of entering the workforce. Aerospace engineers, in particular, enjoy some of the loftiest returns, both figuratively and literally. 2. Computer Science & IT Top Role : Computer and Information Systems Manager Highest ROI Job : 310% If there's one field redefining 21st-century success, it's technology. Majoring in computer science or IT doesn't just open doors, it flings them wide open. With roles in cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics booming, graduates can expect a five-year ROI north of 310%. Those who rise to managerial positions in IT lead the pack with a staggering 553.7% return, making tech not just cool but incredibly profitable. 3. Nursing Top Role : Registered Nurse / Advanced Practice Nurse Highest ROI Job : 280.9% The healthcare sector's heartbeat is strong and growing stronger. With an ROI close to 281%, nursing offers a financially stable and emotionally rewarding career path. Demand for skilled nurses continues to climb, especially in the wake of global health challenges, making this a smart and sustainable investment. 4. Accounting Top Role : Financial or Accounting Manager Highest ROI Job : 261% While numbers may not be everyone's passion, they certainly pay off. Accounting majors, especially those who pursue certification and managerial roles, enjoy steady income growth and a 261% ROI. In a world where financial oversight is more crucial than ever, skilled accountants remain indispensable across industries. 5. Biochemistry Top Role : Pharmaceutical or Biotech Researcher Highest ROI Job : 248% For those fascinated by the science behind life, biochemistry offers a fulfilling and financially viable future. With emerging fields like genomics and personalized medicine gaining traction, biochemists are playing central roles in innovation. A 248% ROI ensures that this career choice is as strategic as it is scientific. Highest-Paying Jobs by ROI A separate look at specific professions (regardless of degree) reveals even more eye-opening numbers: Job Title Five-Year ROI Computer & Information Systems Manager 553.7% Marketing & Advertising Manager 511.4% Aerospace Engineer 427.0% PR & Fundraising Manager 426.2% Software Developer 425.1% These numbers highlight the immense earning potential of not only choosing the right degree—but also leveraging it into a strategic career path. A word of caution: ROI is not the only metric While these figures paint a promising picture, Student Choice reminds future students to consider other crucial variables, loan interest rates, repayment models, housing and living expenses, and most importantly, personal fit. High ROI is attractive, but unsustainable if you're burnt out or disinterested in the work. Education, after all, should be both empowering and economically sound. Final takeaway: The smarter way to spend $153K By 2030, the landscape of employment and education will continue to evolve, but one truth remains constant: choosing the right degree can mean the difference between thriving financially and merely surviving debt. Whether your path lies in coding, caregiving, accounting, or chemistry, make sure your degree not only aligns with your interests but also pays you back for the investment you've made. Because in the end, a great education should not just open your mind, it should open doors. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Top 5 Most Popular College Degrees In 2025, Ranked By ROI
College degrees with the highest ROI set graduates up for financial success. With the total cost of a four-year college education in the U.S. now topping $153,080, according to choosing the right major is more important than ever. While passion and personal interests should shape your decision, understanding which college degrees offer the strongest return on investment (ROI) can help you balance financial security with career satisfaction. Recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals significant variations in earning potential across different college degrees in the U.S. After examining median wages for graduates five years into their careers, a new report from Student Choice highlights five college degree programs that offer the best return on your investment. 1. Engineering: The ROI Leader If you choose engineering, you'll be entering a field that dominates high-return educational investments. Your combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills and practical application makes you highly valued across industries. 2. Computer Science and IT: Technology's Premium Every industry now relies on technology systems, creating a widespread demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement and maintain digital infrastructure. 3. Nursing: Healthcare's High-Return Investment The nursing profession combines strong financial returns with meaningful work that directly impacts patient care and community health. 4. Accounting: Business Foundation with Strong Returns Every organization requires accounting services for financial management, tax preparation and regulatory compliance, creating stable employment across all industries. 5. Biochemistry: Science Meets High Returns Biochemistry combines scientific knowledge with practical applications in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. Factors You Should Consider Beyond ROI While ROI is a critical consideration, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your choice. Personal interests, strengths and long-term career goals also play a key role in academic and career success. Making the Right College Degree Choice for You If you're considering these high-ROI college degrees, remember to weigh your interests, strengths and long-term goals alongside financial factors. The most rewarding careers often combine personal passion with practical opportunity. When your abilities and interests align with your major, you're more likely to excel, advance and increase your earnings over time. Given the significant investment that higher education requires, choosing your college major has never been more critical. These five degrees offer proven paths to financial success, helping you recover your investment quickly while laying the groundwork for long-term career growth and security.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
These are the college degrees in 2025 that will make the most money in 5 years
A new study has identified the college degrees that will make the most money after five years in the workforce, with the best-paying jobs in engineering, computer science, and health industries. Going to college in the U.S. has a hefty price tag, with the average cost coming in at $38,270 per year. Analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted by Student Choice has calculated the 'Return on Investment' on degrees after five years in work after graduating to guide prospective students when making the tough choice of what to study. The organization multiplied the average cost of college by four to get $153,080. It compared the figure against the median wage earned in each job after five years and multiplied it by 100 to calculate the return on investment percentage. When ranking the most popular college degrees in 2024 by return on investment, majoring in engineering came out on top, with a return of 326.6 percent, according to the analysis. A major in computer science and computer information technology was next at 310.3 percent, followed by nursing at 280.9 percent, accounting at 261.3 percent and biochemistry at 248.2 percent. When ranking the most common occupations for each degree type with the highest return on investment after five years, computer and information system managers came in first place at 553.7 percent. Advertising and marketing managers followed with a return on investment of 511.4 percent, then aerospace engineers at 427 percent, PR and fundraising managers at 426.2 percent, and software developers with a return of 425.1 percent. Student Choice said that return on investment is just one aspect to consider when deciding what to study. 'Practical factors such as student loan interest rates, loan deferment options, repayment models, and housing costs should be considered when choosing a degree and a loan,' the organization said. 'Our analysis of degrees with the best return on investment does not take these significant variables into account, so we urge you to make choices based on your specific situation.' Student debt in the U.S. is a major issue and nearly 43 million Americans have federal student loan debt.
Entrepreneur
25-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
College Majors and Careers That Make the Most Money: Report
As the price of an undergraduate degree continues to climb, many college students want to know which paths will bring financial security. A typical student graduating from high school in 2025 could take on an estimated $40,000 in student loan debt before they finish their college education, and interest rates on undergraduate federal student loans are the highest they've been in more than 10 years, Nerdwallet reported. The price tag that comes with a college degree has ballooned steadily over the past several decades — with a staggering rise in the past 15 years. Between 2000 and 2022, average tuition and fees increased by 60%, from $9,204 to $14,688 per year, and those costs spiked 13% in just 12 years between 2010 and 2022 alone, according to BestColleges. Related: These Are the College Majors With the Lowest Unemployment Rates — and Philosophy Ranks Higher Than Computer Science Today's college graduates can expect to spend $153,080 by the end of their undergraduate education, per Student Choice, an organization that partners with more than 300 credit unions to facilitate student lending solutions. But which college majors — and the careers they make possible for new graduates — provide the highest return on students' investment? Student Choice examined data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to pinpoint the median earnings for the top 20 most popular college majors in the U.S. The analysis assumed five years in the workforce and four years spent paying the average annual cost of college. Related: Goldman Sachs CIO Says Coders Should Take Philosophy Classes — Here's Why According to the report, engineering emerged as the degree with the highest five-year return on investment at 326.6%, and computer science/technology came in close second at 310.3%. Computer and information systems managers and advertising, promotions and marketing managers snagged the top spots for careers with the highest five-year return on investment, at 553.7% and 511.4%, respectively, per the data. Related: These 3 Professions Are Most Likely to Vanish in the Next 20 Years Due to AI, According to a New Report Take a look at Student Choice's infographic below for the full picture of its report on the majors and careers offering the highest return on investment for the price of a college education:
New York Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
These college degrees will get you the biggest bucks after 5 years in the workforce: new study
Choosing the right college major is more than just a question of passion — it's a financial decision that can shape the rest of your life. Today, the average annual cost of college comes in around $38,270, and one in six American adults has federal student loan debt. From artificial intelligence to the growing demand for renewable energy, major global shifts are reshaping the job market. Advertisement 3 The average annual cost of college tuition is around $38,270. xy – So, to help incoming college freshmen choose their classes wisely, Student Choice analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify which degrees offer the highest financial payoff just five years after graduation. As technology is advancing, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields have expanded and continue to be in high demand. Advertisement These fields are not only high-paying but also rapidly growing, driven by automation, data expansion, and a global focus on health and sustainability. To calculate which degrees offer the best bang for your buck, Student Choice multiplied the average annual cost of college ($38,270) by four, totalling $153,080. They compared it against the median wage earned in each job after five years in the workforce and multiplied it by 100 for a 'Return On Interest' percentage. 3 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields have expanded and continue to be in high demand. Drazen – Advertisement The findings revealed that those with an engineering degree had the best ROI percentage on average. Degree Types Median Annual Wage of Workers With This Degree Total Median Wage Earned After 5 Years ROI After 5 Years 1 Engineering $100,000 $500,000 326.6% 2 Computer Science & Computer Information Technology $95,000 $475,000 310.3% 3 Nursing $86,000 $430,000 280.9% 4 Accounting $80,000 $400,000 261.3% 5 Biochemistry $76,000 $380,000 248.2% However, when broken down by specific occupation — and not just degree type more broadly —some creative jobs managed to pay better. Surprisingly, many creative careers still hold a strong ROI, with some even outpacing traditional STEM careers. Advertisement While this information to be taken into consideration when choosing a degree, the experts note that a career should bring not only financial stability but also personal fulfillment. Balancing your goals, values, and interests is essential when choosing a major — especially in a workforce where a quarter of Americans are burnt out before they're 30. Occupation(s) Median Annual Wage of Occupation (2023) Total Median Wage Earned After 5 Years ROI After 5 Years 1 Computer and Information Systems Managers $169,510 $847,550 553.7% 2 Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers $156,580 $782,900 511.4% 3 Aerospace Engineers $130,720 $653,600 427.0% 4 Public Relations and Fundraising Managers $130,480 $652,400 426.2% 5 Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers $130,160 $650,800 425.1% 3 Despite growing concern that AI may replace creative jobs, the data says otherwise. Gorodenkoff – Student loan debt remains a major hurdle for millions of Americans, with over $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt currently owed by 43 million borrowers. Still, a degree that aligns with your strengths and passions is more likely to lead to long-term career satisfaction versus simply choosing based on money. To help students, the experts from Student Choice suggest estimating ROI for your degree and college, exploring scholarships that improve affordability and understanding student loan forgiveness programs to understand all your best options.
