The 10 Best Paying Degrees in the World

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There are thousands of different degree options out there - which one is the best?

Before you spend the time and money to acquire a Bachelor’s degree and pursue a career, it’s best to take a look at potential salaries.

Major can have an even bigger impact on future earnings than choice of school. Find out which majors pay you back, and which make it hard to pay back student loans.

The Degrees listed below are the 10 best paying.

#10.Finance

10.Finance
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Average annual salary: $81,760

Expected growth: 12%

A degree in finance incorporates accounting, economics, statistics, and more. Common positions for people with a finance degree are a financial analyst or personal financial advisor, and such jobs generally require a bachelor’s degree and offer an annual salary of over $81,760. Even the bottom 10% earns around $50,350.

There are some licensing requirements, usually through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Many companies expect to pay for the licensing after making a hire, so you likely won’t need these marks before landing a job. The outlook for financial analysts is expected to grow 12% over the next ten years.

#9.Information Technologies

9.Information Technologies

Average annual salary: $82,860

Expected growth: 12%

If you want to know more about computers than where to find the “shift” key, then a degree in Information Technologies may be perfect for

you. You can find many different careers with this degree, including web application development, IT management, and software developer.

Web development is a lucrative career that generally requires only a bachelor’s degree, or even an associate’s in some cases. These professionals have an average pay of $82,860. Advancement and experience is key in this profession, and the BLS says that computer occupations like information technologies are expected to grow by 12%.

#8.Engineering

8.Engineering

Average annual salary: $83,540

Expected growth: 4%

Like mathematics, there are many different sub-branches of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical, engineering technologies. While the demand for engineers may not be as high as mathematics, they are needed in a wide range of industries and command a strong salary. Civil engineers, for example, earn $83,540 a year, while even the bottom 10% earns around $53,470.

The only drawback of engineering is the expected decline in demand. Finding a job may be more difficult, as the demand for engineers is only expected to grow by 4%, but civil engineering will grow by 8%.

#7.Business Management

7.Business Management

Average annual salary: $97,230

Expected growth: 6%

While a business degree can span a broad spectrum of topics, many companies across the country are looking for these types of professionals. Business management is one of the most common types of business degrees, as this education prepares students to analyze a business’s strengths, provide reasonable solutions, and find better ways to make a profit.

Because a business degree is so all-encompassing, their opportunities for real-world application are seemingly limitless. People in management occupations generally earn about $100,790, but the expected job growth across the board is expected to be only 6%, according to the BLS. The pay and job potential will depend greatly on what industry you enter.

#6.Mathematics

6.Mathematics

Average annual salary: $100,610

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Expected growth: 28%

A degree in mathematics can take you down many different paths, including common careers like math teacher or unique titles like “Operations Research Analysis Manager.” The demand for math experts exists in nearly every industry. For example, an actuary, who assesses financial risk, averages a salary of $100,610.

There are many different types of branches and specializations for mathematics majors, including applied mathematics, theoretical mathematics, actuarial sciences, and accounting. The BLS reports that mathematical and science occupations should grow by 28%, so math majors can expect a vibrant career after college.

#5.Economics

5.Economics

Average annual salary: $101,050

Expected growth: 6%

Anyone interested in the way things are made and sold, and how different industries interact with each other, will enjoy studying for a degree in economics. There are many career routes for this major, including economist, investment manager, and financial associate.


Economists are some of the best-paid professionals in the market. Even the lowest 10% earns around $55,150, while the average economist makes over $101,050 a year. Despite the large pay, the rate of growth is expected to be only 6%, one point below the average for all careers. However, the market for people advancing into a master’s degree will have strong opportunities in economics.

#4.Physics


Average annual salary: $114,870

Expected growth: 8%

A physics degree can be applied to many different industries, including research science, space and astronomy, healthcare, and engineering. Although not every physics major will become a physicist, this career is highly lucrative, earning an average of $114,870, with the bottom 10% earning around $57,640.

The demand for physicists will be steady, around 8%, and competition, especially for college and university jobs, is expected to be strong. Many physicists are employed by the government (usually NASA and research universities) but they are found in the private sector as well.

#3.Computer Science

3.Computer Science

Average annual salary: $111,840

Expected growth: 12%

Computer science degrees combine scientific, practical, and theoretical applications related to computers. It is a broader degree, considered by many to be a “foundational science,” which essentially means it branches off into many specific sub-categories. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science can expect a steady job market, unique opportunities, and excellent pay.

Computer and information research scientists, for example, have an average pay of $111,840, while the lowest 10% still average over $64,950. The expected job growth for computer occupations should grow by 12% over the next 10 years, and the chance for career advancement is high, as computer science majors can move into software and IT management or leadership roles.

#2.Marketing

2.Marketing

Average annual salary: $131,180

Expected growth: 9%

A degree in marketing sets you up for many different careers, but you’ll be especially ready for sales and promotions. While a good product or service is key, great marketing can help bring the success of a company and make a major impact on the organization’s income. Marketing majors focus on more than just commercials, as they may be involved in pricing and sales operations.

Although they will generally start in entry-level positions, many marketing majors will work their way up to advertising and promotions manager. This career has an average salary of $131,180, although the expected growth is only 9%.

#1.Management Information Systems

1.Management Information Systems
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Average annual salary: $135,800

Expected growth: 15%


A management information systems degree prepares students to combine business theories with computer technology, with the goal of creating real-world solutions to industry problems. This can lead to a wide variety of careers, including information systems manager, database administrator, and computer systems analyst.

According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers have both great pay and expected demand in the future. The field is expected to grow by 15%, over double the regular job market, while the lowest 10% of these professionals will earn $78,470. The average salary is over $127,000, and the top earners can expect a salary over $180,000.