PayScale’s College Salary Report includes associate degrees for the first time this year. Why? Because from a salary perspective, the right two-year degree can pay off — sometimes, more than a bachelor’s degree.
(Photo Credit: robb3d/Flickr)
In fact, the top five associate degrees on the list earned graduates higher average annual salaries 10 years after graduation than over 100 of the bachelor’s degrees tracked in the report, and for potentially half the investment in time and money. In a time when student loan debt averages over $29,000 per borrower and 71 percent of college seniors hold loans, keeping the final bill manageable is a valid consideration for many students.
Choice of major matters, whether you’re earning a bachelor’s or an associate degree. An associate degree in child development, for example, will earn you an average annual salary of $29,500 at mid-career. Of course, things aren’t much rosier, pay-wise, for those with bachelor’s: a four-year degree in child development pulls in only $36,400 per year, at mid-career.
These are the two-year degrees that earn grads the highest salaries:
1. Management Information Systems
Early Career Salary: $47,100
Mid-Career Salary: $76,800
Early Career Salary: $40,100
Mid-Career Salary: $76,700
Early Career Salary: $49,300
Mid-Career Salary: $75,200
4. Business & Information Technology
Early Career Salary: $37,900
Mid-Career Salary: $74,500
5. Electrical & Computer Engineering
Early Career Salary: $39,200
Mid-Career Salary: $71,700
Tell Us What You Think
Did salary factor into your choice of major? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
dir sir my exprince in filed market 2 year jaipur
Healthcare is always booming. Even if you dont like blood, needles or surgeries there are many jobs in healthcare which require no patient care/contact ! Hospitals, medical clinics are needed in every state, every country so allows for flexible living/demographics. Also 24/7 hours are great for people who want flexibility in hours. Hospitals rarely go out of business, or completely shut down and lay offs are almost non existent. Another great thing? Healthcare pay is typically higher than average and… Read more »
Associate of Applied Science in Petroleum Engineering Technology at Houston Community College graduates starting range 60K to 73K spring 2014.