Study: Computer programming, entrepreneurship top list of degrees with biggest ROI
March 02 2015 - 6:04AM
Students looking to get the most for their money when it comes to
college should consider degrees in information technology, computer
programming, and business, according to a new study from
OnlineDegrees.com that ranks programs based on which ones are
likely to offer graduates the best return on their educational
investment.
Increased college opportunities in the U.S. have led to double
the number of students attending at the start of the 21st century,
compared with the number enrolled in the mid-1900s. But the cost of
college is rising, which means many students are looking at higher
education from a cost-benefit perspective and trying to figure out
which degrees are likely to give them the biggest bang for their
tuition bucks.
The OnlineDegrees.com study ranked degrees based on their
likelihood of leading to a high-paying, fast-growth career as
quickly — and cheaply — as possible. Computer programming and
entrepreneurship finished first and second, respectively, in the
study, both with average annual salaries of more than $85,000 for
graduates and above-average job growth. But the highest-rated
categories for maximizing educational investment weren't limited to
computers — business/management, medical support, and retail and
administration degrees rounded out the top five. The top 10
degrees for return on investment, according to the analysis, are:
1. Computer Programming, Specific Applications 2.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies 3. Network and System
Administration 4. Information Technology 5. Computer Software
Technology 6. Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy 7. Business/Commerce,
General 8. Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications 9.
Business Administration and Management, General 10. Computer and
Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
Methodology This study analyzed employment
opportunities related to different job categories. Factors
included:
- Expected number of job openings in that field
- Number of related openings
- Average salary
These data points came primarily from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) Occupational Statistics and Outlook reports, and
were cross-referenced with details about currently available degree
programs. Specifically:
- Number of schools offering programs in a specific job
category
- Average cost-per-year of attending those schools
- Length of time required to obtain the degree needed to perform
a specific job
The above data points also came from the BLS, as well as the
Institute of Education Sciences' National Center for Education
Statistics.
For more information on the top five degree categories and to
see a full list of the top 50 majors for return on educational
investment, please visit OnlineDegrees.com.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=31083
CONTACT: Erin N. Ellis
QuinStreet Inc.
(650) 578-7822
eellis@quinstreet.com
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