- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.34+0.24%
- EUR55.21-0.01%
- GOLD4,180.40-0.24%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,276+0.64%
- October 13, 202617°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.34+0.24%
- EUR55.21-0.01%
- GOLD4,180.40-0.24%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,276+0.64%
- October 13, 202617°
Research on ROI of US bachelor's degrees: The most and least profitable fields
According to Investopedia's analysis, computer science had the highest ROI at 3,143 percent, while theology and religious studies ranked last at 933 percent.
As college costs in the US rise, students wonder which majors offer higher ROI. Investopedia's comprehensive analysis ranked 68 bachelor's degrees based on post-graduation 10-year earnings and debt balance.
According to the study, while all majors yield a positive ROI, the gap is substantial. Computer science topped the list with 3,143 percent, while theology and religious studies came in last at 933 percent.
How was ROI calculated?
Investopedia used data from the Education Data Initiative and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to compare median student debt and early-career salaries for each major. The median debt was over $24,700, and the median early-career salary was about $52,000 per year.
Theology and religious studies graduates, with the lowest ROI, incur an average debt of $34,800 while earning only $41,600 annually. In contrast, computer science students borrow $1,600 less than the median and earn about $35,000 more per year.
Top 5 and bottom 5 majors
Computer science was followed at the top by computer engineering (3,009%), chemical engineering (2,864%), economics (2,789%), and industrial engineering (2,754%).
In the lowest ROI ranking, after theology and religious studies came social work (1,158%), pharmacy (1,191%), general education (1,235%), and performing arts (1,281%).
Unemployment rates paint a surprising picture
High-ROI majors don't always mean low unemployment. For instance, the unemployment rate for computer science is 7 percent, while for theology and religious studies it's 3.1 percent. The lowest unemployment was seen in special education at 0.7 percent.
Experts note that AI taking over entry-level jobs and employers' reluctance to hire new graduates for remote work have increased graduate unemployment in recent years. New graduate unemployment, which was 4.4 percent in January 2024, rose to 5.6 percent in March 2026.
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
