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◆Student loan debt hits $1.77 TRILLION — up $2,800 every second◆Plumbers now out-earn most college graduates in 32 states◆Gen Z chooses trades over tuition at record rates in 2025◆53% of recent college graduates are underemployed◆Electricians in NYC average $115,000/year with NO degree◆HVAC techs earning more than nurses in 16 states◆Welders in Texas making $95/hour — shortage now critical◆The college premium is shrinking. The debt is not.◆Student loan debt hits $1.77 TRILLION — up $2,800 every second◆Plumbers now out-earn most college graduates in 32 states◆Gen Z chooses trades over tuition at record rates in 2025◆53% of recent college graduates are underemployed◆Electricians in NYC average $115,000/year with NO degree◆HVAC techs earning more than nurses in 16 states◆Welders in Texas making $95/hour — shortage now critical◆The college premium is shrinking. The debt is not.
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Data Analysis

College Majors Ranked by ROI

Not all degrees are equal. Some pay for themselves in 2 years. Others take 20+ years to break even — if they ever do.

Computer Science

Avg: $136,620Debt: $37,000Excellent

Best ROI degree. But bootcamp grads often earn the same.

Nursing

Avg: $81,220Debt: $30,000Very Good

High demand, good pay. 2-year ADN route saves $60K+.

Engineering

Avg: $93,010Debt: $40,000Very Good

Strong ROI for most specializations.

Accounting

Avg: $79,880Debt: $35,000Good

Decent but CPA certification matters more than degree.

Business Admin

Avg: $75,000Debt: $35,000Mediocre

Generic degree. Experience > degree in business.

Communications

Avg: $62,000Debt: $37,000Poor

Low salary ceiling. Better self-taught or experience-based.

English Literature

Avg: $56,000Debt: $37,000Poor

Passion-driven, not income-driven. Heavy debt burden.

Psychology

Avg: $55,000Debt: $37,000Poor

Needs graduate degree to practice. Bachelor's alone = low pay.

Fine Arts

Avg: $48,000Debt: $37,000Terrible

One of the lowest ROIs. Creative skills can be self-taught.

Education

Avg: $62,000Debt: $35,000Mediocre

Noble but underpaid. trade school electricians earn more.

Criminal Justice

Avg: $67,000Debt: $37,000Mediocre

Some positions need degree. Many don't.

Biology

Avg: $65,000Debt: $37,000Poor

Needs grad school for research. Bachelor's alone = lab tech.

Explore Careers Without Degrees →