Top 10 Best Paying Jobs for Four-Year College Grads

Photo of petroleum engineer courtesy of Shutterstock

Many college and university students and graduates are motivated by a desire to make the world a better place. Many are motivated by money. And many are motivated by a combination of the two along with other factors. But if money is important to you then this list of the highest paying occupations for college graduates should be of great interest. Continue Reading

6 of 10 Top Paying Majors in Engineering

Marilyn Mackes of NACE

Technical majors—particularly those in engineering—dominated the list of top-paying majors in 2012, according to a new report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACE’s January 2013 Salary Survey found that six engineering majors were among the 10 highest-paid at the bachelor’s-degree level.  Continue Reading

College Grad Starting Average Salary Jumps 3.4% to $44,455

The average starting salary for new college graduates earning bachelor’s degrees has risen 3.4 percent over last year, according to the January 2013 Salary Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The survey found that the overall increase has carried the average starting salary for 2012 college graduates earning bachelor’s degrees to $44,455, outpacing the 2011 average salary of $42,987. Continue Reading

Annual Salary Increases More Important to New Grads Than Medical Insurance Benefits

Marilyn Mackes of NACE

Annual salary increases are the most preferred benefit among job-seeking new college graduates, according to results of a new study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Historically, graduating seniors taking part in NACE’s annual student survey have placed medical insurance in the top spot, according to Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. Continue Reading

Top Earners Amongst 2011 Grads: Finance Major Working for Banks Started at $67,700

Top pay among Class of 2011 bachelor’s degree graduates went to finance majors landing financial manager positions with banks, according to a report published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACE’s Winter 2012 Salary Survey shows that the average starting salary for these graduates in this position and industry was $67,700. Continue Reading

Highest Paying Industry for Class of 2011 Was Financial Instruments

A new study has the securities, commodities, funds, trusts, and other instruments financial services industry coming in at the top for the highest average starting salaries for Class of 2011 graduates at the bachelor’s degree level.

The top five industries were:

1. Securities, commodities, funds, trusts, and other financial investments = $58,571 (42,000 hires);
2. Electric power companies = $56,780 (2,000 hires);
3. Non-depository credit / related activities =$53,825 (8,000 hires);
4. Computer systems design = $53,547 (50,000 hires); and
5. Business support services = $50,280 (1,000 hires).

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers