In many cases, a worker’s paycheck will have more to do with the major they chose than the school that granted them a diploma, but experts say prospective students should look at both.
In a study released Thursday, PayScale, a provider of compensation data and software, created a list of the best schools for each college major. The firm surveyed 1.4 million college graduates with bachelor’s degrees about their degrees and earnings and found that even students choosing less lucrative majors like English may have a better chance of landing a higher-paying job if they attend a particular school. “There will be differences in earnings by majors and by school, and they are substantial,” says Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education. “You need to be informed,” he says, adding that students considering a certain program should also turn to professors and former students for guidance.
Video: The best college for every major
To be sure, the reasons behind the differences weren’t clear, and researchers pointed out that the list ranking the best schools for each major excluded many small and liberal arts schools. That said, here is a look at some of the best paying schools for each college major.
— By Jonnelle Marte