Top Affordable Degrees with High Starting Salaries
Find your perfect value college
A college degree can help create a more stable future, but different degrees can lead to different outcomes. With the increasing cost of tuition, living expenses, and the potential for student debt, it’s important to choose a degree that balances out your interests and job market opportunities.
Affordable degrees with high starting salaries are smart choices—they won’t cost too much but still lead to a good paycheck after graduation. We will dive into some of the best value college degrees that offer a great return on investment (ROI). These high ROI degrees won’t cost an arm and a leg but will still open doors to high starting salaries right out of school.
Featured Programs
Related:
- Top Best Value Online Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
- Best Data Science Master’s Programs
- Best Actuarial Science Programs in the United States
- Strategies to Improve ROI for Your College Degree
- Long-Term ROI: How Degree Choice Impacts Lifetime Earnings
What Makes a Degree Affordable and High-Value?
For years, college was seen as the path to higher earnings and a better life. However, the focus has shifted with rising tuition costs now consuming 40% of the average income. People are now evaluating the ROI of attending specific schools and pursuing certain degrees.
More and more students are on the hunt for high-value but still affordable college degrees. But what makes a degree affordable and high-value?
The first thing that makes a college degree affordable is its tuition fee. Here’s a breakdown of average cost by institution type published by the Education Data Initiative:
- Public in-state tuition: $9,750 per year.
- Public out-of-state tuition: $28,386 per year.
- Private nonprofit universities: $38,421 for tuition and fees, totaling $58,628 per year when living on campus.
Should private colleges be ruled out? No, they shouldn’t. It’s important to look beyond just the sticker price. Some private colleges offer better financial aid packages that can make them more affordable. It’s also worth considering the average student loan debt students have after graduation, as that can give you a clearer picture of the true cost.
Always choose proven high-paying college majors. If a degree costs a lot but doesn’t lead to a high-paying job, then it’s not a great investment. Take, for example, a degree in philosophy or fine arts. These fields offer enriching experiences and valuable skills like critical thinking and creativity.
Let’s start exploring college degrees with high ROI.
Top Affordable Degrees with High Starting Salaries
STEM Fields
Computer Science
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 26 percent
- Starting Salaries: $70,000
Computer Science focuses on the design and development of software, hardware, and networks. You’ll learn how to write code, create apps, and solve tech-related problems. Many public universities offer affordable STEM degrees in computer science that won’t break the bank.
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 11 percent
- Starting Salaries: $65,000
Engineering degrees, whether Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical, are always in high demand. Engineers are needed in almost every industry, from construction to tech, making it a smart, high-paying career choice. It’s a great fit if you like creating and improving the physical world.
Healthcare Degrees
Nursing
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 6 percent
- Starting Salaries: $60,000
Among the top healthcare degrees with high salaries is nursing. This is all about patient care. You can find work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. It’s a high-demand field with a lot of personal fulfillment.
Health Information Management
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 16 percent
- Starting Salaries: $50,000
This field blends healthcare with technology. You’ll manage patient data, health records, and healthcare systems, making sure everything is secure and efficient. It’s a growing field, especially with the rise of electronic health records and healthcare technology.
Business Degrees
Accounting
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 6 percent
- Starting Salaries: $55,000
If business is your style, accounting is a great degree to pursue. This is one of the top business degrees with a strong ROI. Programs, especially at state schools or online, are affordable, and starting salaries range from $55,000 to $65,000 a year.
Finance
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 17 percent
- Starting Salaries: $60,000
Finance is another business degree with strong earning potential. Grads can often expect to start around $60,000 or more, depending on where they land a job. If you’re interested in markets or helping others grow their wealth, this could be a great fit.
Technology-Driven Fields
Data Analytics
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 36 percent
- Starting Salaries: $60,000
Data Analytics is one of the most affordable tech degrees around. You’ll learn how to analyze data sets to uncover trends and patterns that can help businesses or organizations improve their operations. As businesses continue to collect and analyze data, the demand for skilled data analysts is only going to keep growing.
Cybersecurity
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 33 percent
- Starting Salaries: $70,000
With increasing cyber threats, Cybersecurity is a field that is both high in demand and high in pay. Graduates can expect starting salaries of $70,000 or more. If you’re tech-savvy and enjoy problem-solving, this could be a great field to jump into.
Trade-Related Degrees
Construction Management
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 9 percent
- Starting Salaries: $60,000
This field is for people who like overseeing construction projects from start to finish. It’s a mix of leadership and hands-on work, perfect if you want to be in charge of major building projects.
Supply Chain Management
- Job Growth Rate 2023-2033: 19 percent
- Starting Salaries: $60,000
Supply Chain Management is another smart choice, especially if you’re interested in logistics and operations. The field offers many opportunities for growth in management and operations roles.
How to Identify Affordable Colleges for These Degrees
So, how can you find affordable college programs for these degrees? Here are some tips to help you choose the best value universities:
- Compare tuition costs: Check public, private, and community college tuition rates. Public universities are usually cheaper, especially for in-state students.
- Look for financial aid and scholarships: Many programs offer financial aid or scholarships, especially in fields like STEM and healthcare. Apply to as many as you can to reduce your costs.
- Consider online programs: Online degrees often have lower tuition fees and offer more flexibility, which is great if you plan to work while studying.
- Check Local Schools: Research schools nearby that offer low tuition and good local connections.
- Think about long-term value: Don’t just look at tuition when evaluating Low-cost degree programs—consider starting salaries, job placement rates, and career growth. A program that’s affordable and leads to a good-paying job with room to grow is always a great option.
Careers and Starting Salaries: What to Expect
When it comes to choosing high-paying careers, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Industry Trends: The highest starting salaries for college graduates are found in the most competitive industries like tech, healthcare, and business.
- Regional Variations: Starting salaries can vary depending on where you’re located. For example, a starting salary in a big city might be higher than in a rural area, but the cost of living will also be higher.
- Job Market Projections: Many of the degrees listed above are in industries with strong job growth, meaning that demand will continue to rise in the future. This ensures that your degree will remain valuable for years to come.
- Salary Growth Potential: All of those high-demand degrees offer great salary growth potential because they are in fields that require long-term prospects.
Tips for Maximizing ROI with Affordable Degrees
Here are some tips that help maximize ROI on college degrees:
- Choose the Right Internship or Co-op Program: Affordable degrees and internships are keys to success. Internships and co-op programs are a great way to gain real-world experience and connections that can lead to high-paying jobs after graduation.
- Focus on In-Demand Skills: Practical and technical skills are always in demand. Focus on building these skills during your degree program to enhance your employability.
- Minimize Student Loan Debt: Graduate with as little debt as possible. Always apply for scholarships, work part-time, or choose affordable schools. The less debt you have, the faster you can start saving and investing.
- Leverage Alumni Networks: This is one of the most important tips for affordable education success. Don’t underestimate the power of alumni networks. Many schools have strong networks that can help you land high-paying entry-level positions right out of school.
Conclusion
Affordable degrees with high ROI are the key to setting yourself up for financial stability and long-term career success. By choosing the right program, researching schools with the best value, and focusing on degrees with strong earning potential, you can achieve a great ROI on your education. Whether it’s a STEM degree, healthcare, or business, you have plenty of affordable college options that will lead to a successful and rewarding career.
Check out resources like Value Colleges to find the best degrees for starting salaries that don’t break the bank.
Featured Programs
Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.