For many Rockford-area families, conversations about college often come down to one big question: what degree will actually pay off? With tuition costs continuing to climb, both students and parents are looking closely at career paths that offer strong earning potential soon after graduation.
A new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlights which college majors lead to the highest salaries within five years of finishing school, offering helpful guidance for high school students still deciding their future.
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Engineering Degrees Dominate Early Earnings
According to the report, engineering and technology-related majors overwhelmingly lead the pack when it comes to early-career income. Computer engineering graduates earned the highest median salary within five years at $90,000, nearly double the U.S. median personal income of about $45,000.
Computer science followed closely behind at $87,000, while several engineering specialties also ranked near the top.
Top Majors With the Highest Paychecks
The study found the highest-paying majors for workers ages 22–27 include:
- Computer engineering — $90,000
- Computer science — $87,000
- Chemical engineering — $85,000
- Aerospace engineering — $85,000
- Industrial engineering — $83,000
- Electrical engineering — $82,000
- Mechanical engineering — $80,000
- Construction services — $75,000
- Civil engineering — $75,000
- General engineering — $75,000
What This Means for Illinois Families
For Illinois parents helping students weigh college decisions, the data reinforces a growing trend: degrees connected to STEM fields continue to provide some of the fastest financial returns after graduation…