Best Degrees to Make Money: Full Guide
Money is not the only factor in choosing a career, but let’s be honest: it matters. The right degree is more than an education — it’s a launchpad for your financial future. That’s why so many students are asking the same question: What are the best degrees to make money in today’s world?
The reality is simple: some majors unlock six-figure salaries and global demand, while others leave graduates with debt and limited prospects. Choosing one of the best degrees to make money isn’t just about chasing numbers — it’s about creating security, stability, and the freedom to invest in bigger opportunities.
This guide counts down the Top 30 best degrees to make money in 2025, with insights on starting salaries, mid-career potential, strengths, and trade-offs. Along the way, you’ll also see how high income can be transformed into long-term wealth through smart reinvestment.
Why Choosing the Best Degrees to Make Money Is About Strategy
Too many graduates realize too late that passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Picking the wrong degree can mean years of financial struggle. Choosing wisely, however, gives you not only a career but also the power to invest and create wealth.
The best degrees to make money aren’t just about high starting salaries. They provide stability, adaptability, and long-term value. More importantly, they create opportunities to build passive income and reinvest earnings into assets that generate wealth.
The Countdown: 30 Best Degrees to Make Money in 2025
#30 – Molecular Biology & Applied Sciences
- Starting Salary: ~$60,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $100,000+ in research and biotech
A degree for those who want to innovate in medicine and pharmaceuticals. While graduate study is often required, the payoff is strong in biotech hubs.
Why it’s one of the best degrees: Specialized expertise creates high demand in growing industries.
#29 – Petroleum Engineering
- Starting Salary: $80,000+
- Mid-Career: $120,000–$160,000
Oil and gas remain profitable despite renewable growth. Salaries are high, though markets are cyclical.
Why it’s one of the best degrees: High global demand with strong income potential.
#28 – Construction Management
- Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $100,000+
Overseeing infrastructure and real estate projects is lucrative as cities expand.
Why it’s one of the best degrees Stable demand tied to global development cycles.
#27 – Physics
- Starting Salary: ~$70,000
- Mid-Career: $110,000+
Physics leads to careers in R&D and quantitative finance. Advanced study is common but rewarding.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Builds analytical thinkers with versatile skills.
#26 – Environmental & Renewable Energy Engineering
- Starting Salary: $70,000–$90,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Sustainability is driving this field, making it one of the fastest-growing majors.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: It’s a future-proof career aligned with global demand.
#25 – Public Policy & Administration
- Starting Salary: ~$60,000
- Mid-Career: $100,000+
Graduates enter government and NGOs. Leadership roles deliver higher pay and influence.
Why it’s one of the best degrees: Stable career path with leadership upside.
#24 – Architecture
- Starting Salary: $55,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Creativity meets prestige. Architects in luxury and commercial sectors do exceptionally well.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High ceilings for those who specialize in global projects.
#23 – Marketing / Digital Marketing
- Starting Salary: $55,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $100,000+
Marketing majors thrive in branding, digital campaigns, and entrepreneurship.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Digital demand is booming, especially for data-driven marketers.
#22 – Actuarial Science
- Starting Salary: ~$70,000
- Mid-Career: $150,000+
Actuaries analyze risk. The exams are tough, but the payoff is worth it.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Elite pay in finance and insurance.
#21 – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $110,000+
Supply chain experts keep global trade running. Leadership brings high rewards.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Essential in a connected, e-commerce-driven world.
#20 – Information Technology
- Starting Salary: $70,000–$80,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
IT professionals ensure businesses thrive digitally. Cybersecurity roles pay the most.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Strong, steady demand in every industry.
#19 – Health Informatics & Healthcare Administration
- Starting Salary: ~$70,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Healthcare data and management roles are expanding fast.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Combines healthcare growth with business skills.
#18 – Pharmacy
- Starting Salary: $110,000+
- Mid-Career: $140,000+
Pharmacists consistently earn six figures.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High income + job stability worldwide.
#17 – Mathematics & Statistics
- Starting Salary: $65,000–$80,000
- Mid-Career: $110,000+
Math is the backbone of finance and analytics.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Flexible, adaptable, and powerful with data.
#16 – Information Systems / MIS
- Starting Salary: $70,000+
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Bridging IT and business makes graduates management-ready.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Perfect mix of tech and leadership.
#15 – Psychology (Specialized)
- Starting Salary: $70,000+
- Mid-Career: $250,000+
Neuropsychology, psychiatry, and organizational psychology pay six figures.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High returns when specialized.
#14 – Nursing / Healthcare
- Starting Salary: $86,000
- Mid-Career: $200,000+
One of the most in-demand degrees globally.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Unmatched job security with high earning potential.
#13 – Business Administration
- Starting Salary: $55,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Versatile and respected worldwide.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship.
#12 – Economics
- Starting Salary: $65,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Graduates excel in policy, consulting, and finance.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Analytical, adaptable, and high-paying.
#11 – Accounting
- Starting Salary: $60,000–$80,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Accountants manage financial truth.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Universal demand and strong stability.
#10 – Finance
- Starting Salary: ~$70,000
- Mid-Career: $150,000+
Finance majors manage wealth — their own and others.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High-paying roles with bonus structures.
#9 – Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Starting Salary: $140,000+
- Mid-Career: $200,000+
AI is reshaping industries at lightning speed.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Future-proof with entrepreneurial upside.
#8 – Data Science & Analytics
- Starting Salary: $108,000
- Mid-Career: $150,000+
Every company runs on data.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Six-figure starting salaries with global demand.
#7 – Biomedical Engineering
- Starting Salary: $100,000+
- Mid-Career: $140,000+
Combines innovation with medicine.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High pay + meaningful work.
#6 – Civil Engineering
- Starting Salary: $65,000–$70,000
- Mid-Career: $110,000+
Essential for global development.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Steady income + job security.
#5 – Industrial Engineering
- Starting Salary: $71,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
Optimizing systems means optimizing paychecks.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: High salaries in logistics and operations.
#4 – Mechanical Engineering
- Starting Salary: $70,000
- Mid-Career: $120,000+
A timeless degree with modern applications.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Versatile + reliable across industries.
#3 – Electrical Engineering
- Starting Salary: $78,000
- Mid-Career: $125,000+
The backbone of modern tech.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Global demand with guaranteed growth.
#2 – Computer Science & Engineering
- Starting Salary: $80,000+
- Mid-Career: $140,000+
Tech drives everything.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Fast growth, global reach, and entrepreneurial potential.
#1 – Medicine
- Starting Salary: $120,000+
- Mid-Career: $250,000–$400,000+
The ultimate high-income career. Surgeons and anesthesiologists remain on top.
Why it’s one of the best degrees to make money: Highest salaries + global respect.
Summary of Best Degrees to Make Money
| Rank | Degree | Starting Salary (avg) | Mid-Career Salary (avg) | Why It’s One of the Best Degrees to Make Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #30 | Molecular Biology & Applied Sciences | $60k–$70k | $100k+ | Specialized expertise in biotech & pharma |
| #29 | Petroleum Engineering | $80k+ | $120k–$160k | High income in energy sector, global demand |
| #28 | Construction Management | $60k–$70k | $100k+ | Stable, tied to real estate & infrastructure growth |
| #27 | Physics | $70k | $110k+ | Leads to R&D, finance, and applied industries |
| #26 | Environmental & Renewable Energy Engineering | $70k–$90k | $120k+ | Future-proof, aligned with sustainability growth |
| #25 | Public Policy & Administration | $60k | $100k+ | Stable career, leadership & government influence |
| #24 | Architecture | $55k–$70k | $120k+ | Prestige in luxury & commercial projects |
| #23 | Marketing / Digital Marketing | $55k–$70k | $100k+ | Digital growth + entrepreneurship opportunities |
| #22 | Actuarial Science | $70k | $150k+ | Elite pay in finance & insurance, high demand |
| #21 | Logistics & Supply Chain Management | $60k–$70k | $110k+ | Global trade backbone, strong growth |
| #20 | Information Technology (IT) | $70k–$80k | $120k+ | Essential in every industry, cybersecurity demand |
| #19 | Health Informatics & Healthcare Admin | $70k | $120k+ | Healthcare + data growth field |
| #18 | Pharmacy | $110k+ | $140k+ | High-paying, globally stable profession |
| #17 | Mathematics & Statistics | $65k–$80k | $110k+ | Foundation for finance, analytics, and data science |
| #16 | Information Systems / MIS | $70k+ | $120k+ | Bridges business & tech, leadership potential |
| #15 | Psychology (Specialized) | $70k+ | $250k+ (psychiatry) | High pay with specialization in applied psychology |
| #14 | Nursing / Healthcare | $86k | $200k+ | Global security + advanced role income |
| #13 | Business Administration | $55k–$70k | $120k+ | Versatile, foundation for leadership |
| #12 | Economics | $65k–$70k | $120k+ | Strong in policy, finance, and consulting |
| #11 | Accounting | $60k–$80k | $120k+ | Universal demand, stable growth |
| #10 | Finance | $70k | $150k+ | Direct path to wealth, strong bonuses |
| #9 | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | $140k+ | $200k+ | Cutting-edge, future-proof, high demand |
| #8 | Data Science & Analytics | $108k | $150k+ | Six-figure starts, essential across industries |
| #7 | Biomedical Engineering | $100k+ | $140k+ | Innovation + medicine, meaningful work |
| #6 | Civil Engineering | $65k–$70k | $110k+ | Essential for global infrastructure |
| #5 | Industrial Engineering | $71k | $120k+ | Problem-solving, optimization careers |
| #4 | Mechanical Engineering | $70k | $120k+ | Timeless and versatile degree |
| #3 | Electrical Engineering | $78k | $125k+ | Backbone of tech, global demand |
| #2 | Computer Science & Engineering | $80k+ | $140k+ | Fast growth, entrepreneurial potential |
| #1 | Medicine | $120k+ | $250k–$400k+ | Highest paying, socially respected |
From Salary to Wealth
Earning six figures doesn’t guarantee financial freedom. True wealth comes from reinvesting income into assets. Graduates with the best degrees to make money often secure properties that pay them for life.
For example:
Abu Nahyan Al Nuaimi, CEO of Atlantis Real Estate, embodies this. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Business, he built four companies by 33, earned awards like Best Luxury Independent Real Estate Brokerage in Dubai 2025, and was recognized as a Social Ambassador of the Abu Dhabi Government.
Final Word
The best degrees to make money are more than a paycheck — they’re a strategy. They create security, freedom, and the chance to reinvest into long-term wealth.
Abu Nahyan’s journey proves the point: your degree is the foundation, but your vision builds the legacy. So ask yourself: will your degree only define your salary, or will it launch your empire?
FAQs
What degree makes the most money?
Medicine tops the list of best degrees to make money, followed by computer science, engineering, and law.
Which degrees pay the fastest?
Tech majors like data science, AI, and IT are the fastest ways to start earning high.
What two-year degrees pay well?
Air traffic control, nursing, and cybersecurity are the most lucrative associate degrees.
Which is the number one high-paying job?
Surgeons and AI engineers currently dominate earnings globally.
Are business degrees still worth it?
Yes, especially when paired with real-world experience and reinvestment.
How do I turn income into wealth?
By reinvesting earnings from the best degrees to make money into appreciating assets like real estate.
