As the total cost of a four-year college education in the U.S. climbs above $150,000, students and parents alike are asking a critical question:
Is this college degree worth the investment?
In 2025, with rising tuition fees and growing student debt, choosing a college degree with a high return on investment (ROI) is more important than ever. While following your passion matters, understanding which majors lead to top-paying careers can help you strike the right balance between financial security and personal fulfillment.
Many of today’s self-made billionaires didn’t just choose any degree—they strategically pursued fields with high growth and earning potential.
Explore the Forbes Billionaire List to see how education shaped their journeys.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve analyzed the latest salary data, job market trends, and long-term career potential to rank the top 5 most popular college degrees in 2025 based on ROI.
Top 5 Degrees Ranked by ROI (2025)
| Rank | Degree | Median Salary | 5-Year ROI | Global Demand |
| 1 | Engineering | $100,000 | 326.6% | ✅ Very High |
| 2 | Computer Science & IT | $95,000 | 310.3% | ✅ Very High |
| 3 | Nursing | $86,000 | 280.9% | ✅ High |
| 4 | Accounting & Finance | $80,000 | 261.3% | ✅ High |
| 5 | Data Science & AI | $90,000+ | ~250% | ✅ Very High |
1. Engineering – The Undisputed ROI Leader
Five-Year ROI: 326.6%
Median Annual Wage: $100,000
Five-Year Earnings: $500,000
Why It Tops the List:
Engineering remains one of the most valuable college degrees in 2025. From civil and mechanical to aerospace and electrical, engineers are problem-solvers who drive innovation in nearly every industry.
Career Specializations:
- Mechanical Engineering: Machines, robotics, manufacturing
- Civil Engineering: Infrastructure, bridges, buildings
- Electrical Engineering: Power systems, electronics
- Aerospace Engineering: Aviation, defense, spacecraft
Future-Proofing:
As automation, climate change, and infrastructure demands increase, engineers will play a pivotal role in building smart cities, renewable energy solutions, and next-gen tech systems.
Why It’s a Degree Worth the Investment: High salaries, strong job security, and global demand make engineering the top ROI degree in 2025.
2. Computer Science & IT – The Tech-Powered Degree
Five-Year ROI: 310.3%
Median Annual Wage: $95,000
Five-Year Earnings: $475,000
Why Tech Pays So Well:
The digital economy continues to boom, making Computer Science one of the top-paying college majors. Companies across all industries need experts to build software, manage data, and protect their digital infrastructure.
Career Specializations:
- Cybersecurity: Guarding against online threats
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Designing smart systems
- Cloud Computing & Big Data: Managing massive data sets
- Software Development: Building apps, tools, and platforms
Global Appeal:
In countries like India, Germany, and Canada, Computer Science degrees are seeing explosive growth due to startup ecosystems and global tech hubs.
Most valuable college degree for remote work and international career paths.
3. Nursing – High Pay Meets High Purpose
Five-Year ROI: 280.9%
Median Annual Wage: $86,000
Five-Year Earnings: $430,000
Why It’s in Demand:
Nursing is both recession-proof and impactful. As global populations age and healthcare systems expand, the demand for qualified nurses continues to rise.
Career Specializations:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
- Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
Added Benefits:
Many nursing professionals also benefit from student loan forgiveness programs, particularly in public health and underserved areas.
Degree with high ROI and job satisfaction—plus strong demand in nearly every country.
4. Accounting & Finance – The Backbone of Business
Five-Year ROI: 261.3%
Median Annual Wage: $80,000
Five-Year Earnings: $400,000
Why It’s Valuable:
Accounting offers consistent income, clear career progression, and cross-industry applicability. Every organization—from startups to governments—needs accountants to manage budgets, prepare taxes, and guide financial decisions.
Career Specializations:
- Public Accountant
- Tax Consultant
- Forensic Accountant
- CFO / Financial Analyst
Career Perks:
With certifications like CPA, job options multiply. Plus, this degree often comes with lower education costs compared to other high-ROI majors, especially in countries like Germany or the Netherlands. Meet the top 10 richest women in the world and see what careers fueled their success.
Best ROI degree for business-minded students looking for stability and leadership roles.
5. Data Science & AI – The New-Age Degree
Five-Year ROI: ~250%
Median Annual Wage: $90,000+
Five-Year Earnings: $450,000+
Why It’s Emerging Fast:
As companies embrace automation and AI, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are becoming some of the best college majors for the future. From healthcare to e-commerce, data is at the center of decision-making.
Career Specializations:
- Data Analyst / Data Scientist
- AI Engineer / Machine Learning Developer
- Business Intelligence Expert
- Natural Language Processing Engineer
Global Demand:
Countries like the U.S., India, and Singapore are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, making this a globally portable and in-demand degree.
Best ROI degree for those with math, programming, or analytics skills who want cutting-edge roles.
Other Factors to Consider Beyond ROI
Personal Fit
- Choose majors that align with your interests and strengths.
- Career satisfaction often leads to higher performance and income over time.
Geographic Impact
- Salaries vary by location—a tech job in Silicon Valley pays more than the same role in rural areas.
- Remote work options can improve ROI by allowing you to live in low-cost regions.
Loan Forgiveness & Subsidies
- Nursing, education, and public service jobs often qualify for loan forgiveness.
- Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands offer low-cost or free tuition, boosting long-term returns.
Future-Proof Your Degree
- Avoid degrees in declining sectors.
- Choose majors that evolve with technology and global needs.
Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Not Just Safe
The degrees listed here are not just popular—they’re proven to deliver high returns on your investment of time, energy, and money. Whether you’re passionate about tech, healthcare, business, or engineering, aligning your interests with one of the best ROI degrees in 2025 can set you up for long-term success.
When selecting your major, remember:
ROI matters, but so do your passion, skills, lifestyle goals, and career growth opportunities.
FAQs
1. Which college degree has the highest ROI in 2025?
Engineering tops the list in 2025 with the highest return on investment (ROI), offering a median annual salary of $100,000 and a five-year ROI of over 326%. Specializations like mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering are especially in demand.
2. What are the best college majors for high-paying jobs in 2025?
The best college majors for high-paying jobs in 2025 include Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Accounting & Finance, and Data Science. These fields offer strong salaries, job security, and long-term career growth.
3. Is computer science a good major in 2025?
Yes, Computer Science remains one of the best majors in 2025. With a five-year ROI of 310% and median salaries around $95,000, CS grads are in high demand across tech, finance, healthcare, and virtually all industries.
4. What degrees offer the best value for money?
Degrees in Engineering, Nursing, Accounting, and Computer Science offer the best value due to their high ROI, strong job prospects, and growing demand globally. These degrees allow students to recover tuition costs quickly while building long-term wealth.
5. How do I choose a college major with good ROI?
To choose a major with good ROI, consider salary potential, job demand, your personal interests, tuition cost, and career growth. Use tools like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and compare ROI data before making your decision.
