Payscale Highlights Top Colleges and Majors for Salaries

Recent rankings and studies highlight the importance of choosing the right college and major to maximize future earning potential. Princeton University has been consistently ranked at the top by both The Wall Street Journal and Forbes in 2025 and 2024 respectively, with institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Yale also featuring prominently. Studies from Payscale Inc. reveal that graduates from elite institutions, particularly those with STEM degrees, tend to command the highest salaries, with petroleum engineering majors earning the most at mid-career. Despite the high costs of higher education, attending a prestigious college and selecting a high-demand major can significantly impact one's earnings and reduce student loan repayment time. The value of formal education remains strong, especially when alternative skill gains are also considered.