For students hoping to start their careers with a salary of $75,000 or more, only a handful of college majors deliver that kind of pay cheque right out of the gate.
According to Kiplinger, fields such as chemical engineering, computer science, and computer engineering regularly hit or pass this benchmark, giving graduates a strong financial start.
The University of Bridgeport also adds that newer fields like data science and long-established majors like finance continue to offer solid first-year incomes. And career site Indeed points to several entry-level roles that begin around $75,000, telling us a simple truth: choosing the right major still matters.
These five majors stand out for two big reasons, they pay well early and lead directly to in-demand jobs. Though some degrees offer higher long-term potential, these fields deliver big earnings fast.
Computer Science
Computer science remains one of the fastest routes into the $75,000 range thanks to massive demand for software and tech talent. According to Kiplinger, early-career computer science graduates earn about $78,000.
The University of Bridgeport also explains that computer science as one of the highest-paying majors this year. With opportunities in everything from software development to cybersecurity, the degree delivers strong pay across the tech sector.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering continues to be one of the most reliable high-paying STEM majors. Kiplinger reports that early-career salaries sit near $79,000.
Students face a demanding mix of chemistry, physics, and process design, but the financial payoff comes almost immediately. Employers value the deep technical skills this major develops and the compensation shows it.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering blends hardware, software, and electronics into one powerful skill set. And companies across the tech ecosystem are paying well for it. According to Kiplinger, early-career earnings average about $80,000.
The field’s combination of digital design, embedded systems, and computing makes graduates especially attractive to employers looking for versatile engineers.
Finance
For students who prefer markets to microcontrollers, finance remains a dependable path. Research.com notes that early-career finance graduates earn around $76,000, and the University of Bridgeport lists finance as one of 2025’s highest-paying majors.
From corporate finance to banking and financial analysis, demand for finance talent creates multiple routes to reach or surpass the $75,000 mark.
Data Science
Data science continues to rise as one of the most powerful and profitable modern degrees. The University of Bridgeport reports that data science majors can expect median early pay well above $75K, with projections near $108,000.
Blending statistics, computing, and analytics, the field produces talent that employers compete aggressively for. With companies worldwide relying on data to make decisions, salaries reflect how essential these skills have become.