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Top Small Colleges with the Highest Earning Graduates by State in 2026
While money isn’t everything, it certainly plays a significant role in shaping your future. Choosing the right college can have a lasting impact on your career and financial success.
As we move into 2026, the landscape of higher education and career opportunities continues to evolve. Graduating from a college that equips you for a lucrative career can make a considerable difference in your life.
In our latest analysis, we focused on small colleges across the United States that have produced the highest earning graduates. We previously identified top colleges for job placement. Now, we’re highlighting those institutions that lead in graduate earnings.
Before we dive into the specifics, here are the top 10 states boasting the highest earning graduates:
- University of Maryland Baltimore – Maryland
- Brown University – Rhode Island
- Harvey Mudd College – California
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center – Texas
- Amherst College – Massachusetts
- Lafayette College – Pennsylvania
- Helene Fuld College of Nursing – New York
- Bates College – Maine
- Carleton College – Minnesota
- Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences – Missouri
This diverse list showcases both well-known institutions and hidden gems, demonstrating that high earning potential can be found in various educational settings.
The rankings are derived from rigorous data analysis, reflecting the earning potential of graduates from small colleges ten years post-graduation. Let’s explore how we arrived at these findings.
Methodology
We utilized the most recent College Scorecard data to identify the school in each state with the highest average earnings for graduates ten years after enrollment.
For those interested in the technical details, we focused on the variable MN_EARN_WNE_P10, which represents the mean earnings of graduates working a decade after entry. This comprehensive dataset allowed us to rank colleges effectively.
Our analysis was limited to four-year institutions, excluding community colleges to ensure a focus on traditional degree programs.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 states along with their highest earning colleges:
1. Maryland
College: University of Maryland Baltimore
City: Baltimore
Average Earnings: $102,900
With an impressive average graduate earning over six figures ten years post-graduation, the University of Maryland Baltimore secures the top spot. This institution offers diverse programs, including medicine, law, and nursing, paving the way for lucrative careers.
2. Rhode Island
College: Brown University
City: Providence
Average Earnings: $87,600
No surprise here, as Brown University, an esteemed Ivy League school, earns the number two position. With a highly selective admission process, the rigorous academic environment prepares students for successful careers.
3. California
College: Harvey Mudd College
City: Claremont
Average Earnings: $84,900
Situated near Los Angeles, Harvey Mudd College is a leader in STEM education, producing graduates who excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, contributing to their high earning potential.
4. Texas
College: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
City: Houston
Average Earnings: $82,100
This institution is dedicated to advancing cancer research and treatment, reflecting its graduates’ financial success. Aiming to combat a crucial health issue, the professionals trained here earn a well-deserved salary.
5. Massachusetts
College: Amherst College
City: Amherst
Average Earnings: $82,000
Amherst College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, rounds out the top five. With a small student body, it offers a personalized education that translates into impressive earnings for graduates.
6. Pennsylvania
College: Lafayette College
City: Easton
Average Earnings: $81,000
Lafayette College, with its strong liberal arts focus, produces graduates who earn over $80,000, showcasing the value of a quality education in Pennsylvania.
7. New York
College: Helene Fuld College of Nursing
City: New York
Average Earnings: $79,300
Helene Fuld College of Nursing excels in preparing students for nursing careers, emphasizing hands-on training and small class sizes, which lead to high earning potential.
8. Maine
College: Bates College
City: Lewiston
Average Earnings: $75,700
Bates College is recognized for its outstanding undergraduate program within a picturesque setting, fostering both academic excellence and strong earnings for its graduates.
9. Minnesota
College: Carleton College
City: Northfield
Average Earnings: $65,600
Carleton College is known for its intellectual rigor and has produced numerous Fulbright Scholars. Graduates enjoy lucrative salaries as a testament to the institution’s quality.
10. Missouri
College: Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences
City: Kansas City
Average Earnings: $64,700
As a nursing-focused institution located in a major metropolitan area, Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences graduates achieve high earning levels, reflecting the demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Now that we’ve explored the top 10 states for highest earning graduates, here’s a comprehensive list of each state’s leading college:
In conclusion, choosing a college that aligns with your career goals can significantly influence your earning potential. Whether you opt for a prestigious institution or a small college, investing in your education is a vital step toward a successful future.
Author
McLeod Brown is a former writer and researcher for the Zippia Career Advice blog. His work at Zippia focused on understanding the relationship between colleges, debt, and jobs. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a BA in Business Administrator, he is now pursuing a masters of science in analytics from the Institute of Advanced Analytics.
