5 top college majors that offer $75,000 starting salaries

Graduates looking for a fast route to a $75,000-plus starting salary face a narrow set of majors where early-career pay clears that line consistently. According to Kiplinger, majors in fields such as chemical engineering, computer science, and computer engineering post early wages hovering near or above $75K.

The University of Bridgeport says that newer majors like data science and established ones like finance continue to deliver strong first-year incomes. Indeed outlines multiple entry-level roles where salaries begin around $75,000, reinforcing the idea that the right major still gives graduates a head start.

These majors stand out not only for the wage boost but also for how directly they translate into in-demand jobs. Some fields offer higher ceilings but slower starts. 

This list highlights five of the top majors where $75,000 comes early, not eventually.

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Computer science majors hit the $75,000 zone quickly due to demand for software talent. According to Kiplinger, early-career computer science graduates earn about $78,000. The University of Bridgeport says computer science sits among the highest-paying majors this year. The degree offers strong salary performance across tech sectors.

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Chemical engineering remains one of the most reliable high-paying STEM majors. According to Kiplinger, early-career salaries sit near $79,000. The field demands heavy coursework in chemistry and process design, but the salary payoff can start immediately. Employers value the technical depth, and compensation reflects it.

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Computer engineering blends software, hardware, and electronics; and it rewards graduates right away. According to Kiplinger, early-career earnings average about $80,000. Companies across the tech ecosystem continue to pay a premium for this skill set.

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Finance offers a strong salary floor for students who favor markets over microcontrollers. Research.com says early-career finance graduates earn around $76,000. The University of Bridgeport identifies finance as one of 2025’s highest-paying majors. Demand spans corporate finance, banking, and analytics, giving graduates several paths to the $75,000 mark.

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Data science and analytics continues to climb as one of the strongest modern majors. The University of Bridgeport says data science majors can expect median early pay well above $75K, with projections near $108,000. The field blends statistics and computing to produce talent that employers compete for. Companies worldwide treat data interpretation as a core capability, and salaries match the urgency.