Career prospects and anticipated lifetime earnings are pivotal factors for many students when choosing a college degree. While some degrees promise high financial rewards, others might not offer the same economic advantage and can even lead to substantial debt. Entering the workforce immediately after high school might sometimes result in better financial outcomes than certain collegiate paths.

According to Kayla Zhu from Visual Capitalist, analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the average return on investment (ROI) of various degrees in the U.S. This evaluation measures the expected lifetime value of a degree, factoring in any associated debt compared to the income of someone choosing not to pursue a college education. Degrees in engineering, computer and information sciences, mathematics, and engineering technology top the list in ROI, yielding the highest expected lifetime earnings after debt.

For instance, Harvard University's computer science program leads with a remarkable ROI, offering graduates an anticipated lifetime gain exceeding $4 million. With a median income of $256,539 and a median debt of $14,000, the financial prospects for these students are exceptionally robust. In stark contrast, degrees in the humanities, such as visual and performing arts, theology, and English, often deliver lower lifetime earnings. The English language programs particularly face a negative ROI of $39,000, underscoring a significant decline in value.

This scenario is further reflected by a substantial 32% drop in graduates over the past decade. For insights into which universities in the U.S. produce the most startup founders, we invite you to explore further graphics that offer a deeper understanding of institutional contributions to entrepreneurial success.