5 Highest Earning Bachelor’s Degrees to Consider in 2024

Bachelor’s degrees offer strong earning potential and align with growing industry needs in 2024. These fields are relevant to the expanding technology, sustainability, and healthcare sectors, providing solid career opportunities and long-term growth. These degrees present diverse career paths, making them important choices for students entering the workforce.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identified the fastest-growing occupations from 2023 to 2033, including wind turbine service technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, nurse practitioners, data scientists, and information security analysts. Salaries for these roles range from $48,000 to $145,000 annually.

Relevant bachelor’s degrees for these jobs include those in renewable energy, nursing, data science, and cybersecurity. However, many professionals achieve success through associate degrees, certifications, hands-on experience, and ongoing training, providing multiple pathways into these careers.

According to a list compiled by Forbes, here are the top 5 highest-paying bachelor’s degrees to pursue in 2024:

Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy/Sustainable Energy

With the global push towards combating climate change, the renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth. A Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy or Sustainable Energy equips you with the knowledge to develop and manage projects in solar, wind, and other renewable sources. 

This degree not only prepares you for technical roles but also opens doors to strategic positions like sustainability consultants or project managers. As industries worldwide transition to greener practices, the demand for experts in renewable energy continues to rise, ensuring robust job prospects and competitive salaries.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering remains a cornerstone of innovation across various industries. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering provides a solid foundation in designing and developing electrical systems and technologies.

Graduates can pursue careers in telecommunications, robotics, electronics, and even emerging fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning. The versatility of this degree means you can work in diverse environments, from high-tech startups to established engineering firms, all while enjoying substantial earning potential and opportunities for advancement.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Healthcare continues to be a vital and ever-expanding field, making a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) a highly valuable degree. This program prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN), with opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. 

Beyond the basic RN role, a BSN provides a pathway to advanced positions such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and healthcare administrators. The ongoing demand for healthcare professionals ensures job stability and the potential for significant salary growth, especially with additional certifications and specializations.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics

In today’s data-driven world, degrees in data science, computer science, statistics, or mathematics are among the most lucrative. These programs train you to analyze complex data, develop software solutions, and create algorithms that drive decision-making in businesses and technology. 

Careers in artificial intelligence, data analytics, financial modeling, and software development are not only in high demand but also offer some of the highest salaries in the job market. The ability to solve real-world problems with data makes these degrees highly sought after by employers across various industries.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity

As digital transformation accelerates, the need for skilled professionals in information systems, information technology, and cybersecurity has never been greater. A Bachelor of Science in these fields prepares you to protect and manage an organization’s digital infrastructure.

Roles such as cybersecurity analyst, information systems manager, and IT consultant are not only well-compensated but also offer strong job security due to the critical nature of these positions. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the expertise gained from these degrees is invaluable, ensuring that graduates remain essential in safeguarding information across all sectors.