10 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees

Choosing the right bachelor’s degree is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your career trajectory and financial future. While passion and interest in a field are crucial, the potential salary after graduation also plays an essential role in this choice.

Whether you are exploring options or solidifying your choice, this guide aims to leave you encouraged and well-informed about pursuing a degree that aligns with both your interests and financial goals.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by universities and colleges upon completing a course of study typically lasting three to four years. This degree provides foundational knowledge in a specific field and is often a prerequisite for entry-level positions in many industries. Common types of bachelor’s degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), each focusing on different areas of study.

What are the Top 10 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees?

Here are the top 10 highest paying bachelor’s degrees, along with an overview of each degree, career prospects, potential salaries, and useful resources:

1. Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering involves the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. The degree covers subjects such as geology, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.

Graduates can work as petroleum engineers, drilling engineers, or reservoir engineers. They are employed by oil and gas companies, engineering firms, and government agencies.

The average starting salary for petroleum engineers is around £60,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £100,000 annually .

Find out more by browsing the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and about applying via UCAS Petroleum Engineering web pages.

Explore Engineering online courses are great options for gaining a foundational understanding of engineering principles, with courses available from FutureLearn.

2. Computer Science

Computer Science focuses on the study of computers and computational systems, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence.

Graduates can become software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, or cybersecurity experts. They are in demand across various sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment.

Entry-level positions start at approximately £40,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning over £80,000 annually .

Find out more from the British Computer Society or by searching UCAS Computer Science options. Equally, you can explore the online offers available at FutureLearn.

3. Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering involves the study of electrical systems, electronics, and electromagnetism. Key subjects include circuit analysis, control systems, and signal processing.

Graduates work as electrical engineers, electronics engineers, or control systems engineers in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and aerospace.

Starting salaries are around £35,000 per year, with experienced engineers earning up to £70,000 or more .

Explore the options available to set out on this path at Institution of Engineering and Technology or exploring UCAS Electrical Engineering pathways.

FutureLearn Courses on offer online include Electrical Engineering: Sensing, Powering, and Controlling – a course exploring key concepts in electrical engineering.

4. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Courses cover mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science.

Graduates can pursue careers as mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers, or automotive engineers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy.

Initial salaries range from £30,000 to £45,000 per year, with potential to exceed £70,000 with experience .

You can explore further by visiting the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or searching the UCAS Mechanical Engineering pages for a range of interesting options.

FutureLearn offers online courses such as Introduction to Mechanical Engineering – Designed to provide a foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles.

5. Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering encompasses the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and buildings. Subjects include structural engineering, geotechnics, and transportation engineering.

Civil engineers, structural engineers, and project managers are common career paths. Employers include construction firms, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Entry-level civil engineers earn around £28,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 .

More information is available at the Institution of Civil Engineers or by visiting UCAS Civil Engineering pages online.

FutureLearn offers online courses on Construction Management -essential for those interested in civil engineering and construction management. Check out the options here.

6. Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering involves applying chemical principles to produce chemicals, materials, and energy. Key subjects include process design, chemical reaction engineering, and material science.

Graduates work as chemical engineers, process engineers, or product development engineers in industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food processing.

Starting salaries are approximately £35,000 per year, with experienced engineers earning up to £70,000 .

Find out more about entering this field at the Institution of Chemical Engineers or by visiting UCAS Chemical Engineering pages online.

FutureLearn offers introductory online courses in Chemical Engineering -covering the basics of chemical engineering.

7. Finance

A degree in Finance covers financial management, investment analysis, and corporate finance. Courses include accounting, economics, and financial markets.

Graduates can become financial analysts, investment bankers, or financial managers. They are employed by banks, investment firms, and corporations.

Entry-level positions start at around £30,000 per year, with potential earnings exceeding £100,000 in senior roles .

You can find out more about the options available by visiting the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment or UCAS Finance courses.

Online options to explore Financial Analysis and Decision Making for example- Perfect for those pursuing a career in finance are available at FutureLearn.

8. Nursing

Nursing degrees focus on patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare management. Courses include anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice.

Graduates can work as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or healthcare administrators in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations.

Starting salaries for registered nurses are around £25,000 per year, with experienced nurses earning up to £45,000 or more .

You can find out more at the Nursing and Midwifery Council or check out courses at the UCAS Nursing pages.

FutureLearn’s Introduction to Nursing offers a comprehensive overview of the nursing profession.

9. Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in finance, insurance, and other industries. Courses cover probability, statistics, and financial mathematics.

Actuaries, risk analysts, and insurance underwriters are common career paths. Employers include insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies.

Starting salaries are approximately £30,000 per year, with experienced actuaries earning over £70,000 .

Check out the career options available at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. And find courses by searching UCAS Actuarial Science.

FutureLearn offers a range of online data science courses ideal for those interested in pursuing  this kind of career.

10. Information Technology (IT)

IT degrees focus on the design, implementation, and management of information systems. Key subjects include computer networks, database management, and cybersecurity.

Graduates can become IT consultants, network administrators, or cybersecurity specialists. They are in demand across all industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail.

Entry-level salaries start at around £35,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £70,000 or more .

Further resources are available at the Chartered Institute for IT or searching UCAS Information Technology.

Cyber Security Fundamentals is a FutureLearn online course for understanding the basics of cybersecurity.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right bachelor’s degree is a crucial step towards a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. This guide provides an overview of some of the highest paying degree subjects and their potential career paths. As you consider your options, remember to weigh your interests and strengths alongside potential salaries. Hopefully, the information and resources provided here leaves you feeling informed and encouraged to pursue a degree that aligns with both your passions and financial goals.

For more learning opportunities, explore FutureLearn where you can find courses ranging from short courses to full online degrees, designed to fit your schedule and career ambitions.

By understanding the various career options and their associated salaries, you can make a well-informed decision that will benefit you in the long run. Good luck in your educational journey!