Credentials holders in computer-related fields, such as computer science, computer engineering and computer and information sciences, are the country’s most lucrative students early into their careers, according to Department of Education data compiled by The HEA Group and College Scorecard.
Bachelor’s degree holders in computer science from Harvard University have the highest mean earnings four years after graduation at $256,539. Computer science and those related make up eight of the top 10 most lucrative in the nation. The only three outside of this industry to make the ranking are finance and financial management services from the University of Pennsylvania and electrical, electronics and communications engineering from the University of California-Berkeley.
When averaging median income earnings across programs offered to at least 50 institutions, seven out of 10 of the highest earners are in engineering unrelated to computer technology. Still, computer engineering came in first at $97,302, followed by computer science at $94,192. University Businessonly considered degrees that serve more than 50 institutions to negate any niche credentials offered at a select group of institutions. For example, only five schools offer nuclear engineering, but that major brought the second-highest average median earnings at $116,531.
The HEA Group and scorecard considered over 36,000 academic programs from 22,404 bachelor’s, 8,071 associate’s and 5,621 certificate programs. Additionally, the data are limited to federal financial aid-receiving students, and some small programs’ earnings data are excluded to protect student privacy.
Earning a credential in one of these computer-tech-related programs seems reserved chiefly for bachelor’s degree earners. Associate degree earners are better off, earning $140,386 with a nuclear engineering degree, and certificate earners are best off as an electrical and power transmission installer certificate, making $109,483. However, a bachelor’s degree is still the most reliable undergraduate credential students can earn to ensure they make a livable salary. Almost half (48.48%) of all bachelor’s programs make at least $50,249 four years out of college. Less than 30% of associate degree earners make a livable salary, and only 13% of certificate earners are this well off.
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Earnings are great, but are students interested?
The number of students graduating with a bachelor’s in any specific computer science-related program doesn’t compare well with its earning potential. For example, among academic programs offered to at least 50 institutions, the number of institutions providing computer science credentials ranked 25 out of 87. Similarly, the number of students in these graduating cohorts ranked at 27.
However, combining all programs—computer science, computer engineering, and computer and information sciences—paints a more promising picture. Institutions offer them at the fourth-highest rate, and they have the eighth-greatest number of students in graduating cohorts when combined.
FAQs
Digital workforce: Bachelor's in computing beats out engineering and finance for best-paying jobs. Bachelor's degree holders in computer science from Harvard University have the highest mean earnings four years after graduation at $256,539.
Which is better computer science or finance? ›
Both careers, have the potential to make you rich. However, computer science offers better job prospects and earning potential at entry level than finance careers. At management level, finance careers have better job prospects but computer science offers better pay.
What is the highest paying computer engineering job? ›
Top 15 Highest Paying Computer Science Jobs & Salaries 2024
- Machine Learning Engineer. ...
- Data Scientist. ...
- Software Architect. ...
- Principal Software Engineer. ...
- Cybersecurity Engineer. ...
- Software Engineer. ...
- Information Security Engineer. ...
- Big Data Engineer.
The estimated total pay range for a Computer Scientist (1550) at Harvard University is $51K–$85K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Computer Scientist (1550) base salary at Harvard University is $66K per year.
What is the difference between CS and information systems? ›
CIS is application-driven. While CS provides a comprehensive education ranging from very theoretical topics to those that are application-oriented, CIS is very much situated in applications in different businesses. Studies in CIS tend to be more hands on, large-scale, and in situ (think about case studies).
What makes more money computer science or engineering? ›
It depends on your title, but both career tracks have high earning potential. According to the BLS, the median pay for computer and information research scientists as of May 2022 was $136,620. Computer hardware engineers earned $132,360.
Which is harder finance or computer science? ›
The difficulty of a major in computer science versus finance largely depends on an individual's aptitude, interests, and goals. Computer science often demands a strong foundation in mathematics and logic, requiring students to tackle complex algorithms, data structures, and programming languages.
What is the easiest tech job that pays the most? ›
15 High-Paying Entry-Level Tech Jobs To Consider If You Have No Experience
| Job Title | Median Salary | Salary Range |
|---|
| Motion Designer | $67,037 | $48K – $85K |
| Web Developer | $67,416 | $50K – $81K |
| Data Analyst | $67,815 | $52K – $78K |
| Visual Designer | $68,636 | $52K – $81K |
11 more rowsThe highest-paid engineers are computer hardware engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers. Data on average earnings and number of jobs comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We are showing the latest available data, which is for May 2022.
Which is highest paying jobs in world? ›
Here are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the world:
- Chief Executive Officer.
- Anesthesiologist.
- General and Orthopedic Surgeons.
- Psychiatrists.
- Data Scientists.
- Software Engineers.
- Investment Banker.
- Professional Athletes.
Another great thing about this major is that students can look forward to increasing salaries throughout their career. A CS student can start out earning an average salary of $60,000/year, but can work their way up to over $100,000 within four years.
What type of computer science makes the most money? ›
9 highest paying computer science jobs in the US
- Information security analyst. Median annual US salary: $102,600. ...
- Software developer. ...
- Computer hardware engineer. ...
- Data scientist. ...
- Computer network architect. ...
- Database architect. ...
- Computer and information research scientist. ...
- Computer and information systems manager.
As of Apr 5, 2024, the average annual pay for a Mit Computer Science in the United States is $83,109 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $39.96 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,598/week or $6,925/month.
Is a CIS degree worth IT? ›
In addition to salary potential, having a CIS degree can open up a variety of career paths. Many CIS graduates go on to work in software development, web design, database management, and network administration. Others may choose to pursue a career in business analysis, project management, or IT consulting.
Is computer information systems a stem major? ›
The CIS degree is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classified program.
Does computer science count as engineering? ›
Many prospective students wonder, “Is computer science considered a type of engineering?” While terms like “computer science” and “computer engineering” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are technically separate fields that focus on different aspects of computer technology.
Does computer science go well with finance? ›
48 percent of financial services companies surveyed by PwC reported that fintech was fully integrated into their strategic operating models. Therefore, having a background in computer science can help you significantly advance in your career and become a leader in this crucial space.
Can I do finance with a computer science degree? ›
Computer science provides a strong foundation in data analysis, algorithm development, and computational modeling, which are vital in finance for tasks like risk assessment, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic trading.
Can you switch from computer science to finance? ›
Transitioning from computer science to finance is a natural evolution, as the skills and principles from computer science can be highly applicable in the financial sector.
Is computer science a good major for money? ›
Computer science can be a good major when you're looking for strong career prospects after graduation and opportunities to develop numerous skills. Graduates are often in demand across sectors, have the potential to earn higher than average salaries, and may be able to advance more quickly in their careers.
