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What is the Average Starting Salary for College Graduates?

By Matthew Zane
Oct. 27, 2020
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

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What is the Average Starting Salary for College Graduates in 2026?

Congratulations on earning your degree! As you prepare to step into the job market, a key question looms: what can you realistically expect to earn right after college?

It’s widely understood that starting salaries for college graduates in entry-level positions vary based on major, institution, and geographical location. With student debt weighing heavily on many graduates, it’s crucial to assess the true value of your degree.

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Expectations vs. Reality

While college can be a time filled with hope and ambition, it can also lead to unrealistic salary expectations.

A recent survey of 1,000 undergraduates revealed that students anticipate an average starting salary of $62,500 upon graduation. However, the latest report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that the average starting salary for the Class of 2026 is projected to be around $58,000. This indicates that many students are expecting salaries that exceed reality by approximately 8%.

Among different fields, engineering and humanities students had the most accurate salary expectations, while business majors tended to overestimate their starting salaries by around 30%. Conversely, computer science students generally undervalued their early-career earnings by about 15%.

College Students’ Job Priorities

Beyond paycheck size, today’s graduates prioritize comprehensive benefits. Exceptional health insurance tops their list, followed closely by salary competitiveness. Remarkably, many students express a preference for substantial retirement plans with strong employer matching over student loan repayment assistance, indicating a forward-thinking approach.

Flexible hours, a positive work environment, and ample paid leave remain lower on the priority list. While some graduates may still harbor lofty salary aspirations, Generation Z appears more grounded than previous generations, favoring long-term stability over trendy office perks.

The Full Scoop: Average Salary for College Graduates

According to NACE’s recent findings, the average starting salary for the Class of 2026 is $58,000, representing a 7% increase from the 2025 average of $54,200.

Despite global economic shifts, the unemployment rate for recent bachelor’s degree holders aged 20-24 is currently estimated at 10%, slightly higher than pre-pandemic rates. This could give employers more leverage in salary negotiations with entry-level candidates.

The choice of major significantly affects earning potential, with certain fields continuing to see substantial wage growth. Here’s a breakdown of average starting salaries across various disciplines:

  • Computer Science: $81,000 (up 6% from 2025)
  • Engineering: $75,000 (up 5% from 2025)
  • Mathematics and Statistics: $70,000 (up 4% from 2025)
  • Business: $57,500 (up 5% from 2025)
  • Health Sciences: $56,000 (up 4% from 2025)
  • Social Sciences: $52,000 (up 6% from 2025)

Overall, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn approximately 70% more than those with only a high school diploma, according to data from Northeastern University.

Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degree Majors

STEM degrees continue to dominate the highest starting salaries for new graduates. Let’s examine which specific majors command the best pay right out of college.

The following data reflects salaries for graduates with 0-5 years of experience, likely higher than initial salary offers for most new graduates.

  1. Petroleum Engineering: $97,000

  2. Physician Assistant Studies: $93,000

  3. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS): $90,000

  4. Pharmacy: $82,000

  5. Metallurgical Engineering: $80,000

  6. Operations Research: $79,000

  7. Computer Science (CS) and Physics: $78,000

  8. Nuclear Engineering Technology (NET): $77,500

  9. Petroleum Land Management: $77,000

  10. Welding Engineering: $76,500

As a note, while early-career salaries provide insight, the ranking of highest-paying majors may shift by mid-career. Mid-career roles in Applied Economics and Management, for example, can yield an average salary of $145,000 compared to early-career estimates.

Lowest Paying Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Conversely, graduates from the following majors typically earn the least in their early careers:

  1. Speech and Drama: $29,000

  2. Voice and Opera: $33,000

  3. Medical Assisting: $33,000

  4. Rehabilitation Services: $33,500

  5. Painting and Printmaking: $34,000

  6. Developmental Psychology: $34,500

  7. Child and Family Studies: $34,700

  8. Early Childhood Education: $35,000

  9. Vocational Rehabilitation: $35,200

  10. Ministry: $35,500

Don’t be discouraged by these lower starting salaries; many graduates, like those in Speech and Drama, can see their average pay rise to $84,000 by mid-career. Remember, pursuing a passion can be invaluable, regardless of initial earnings.

“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain

Know Your Worth

Knowledge is crucial when negotiating your salary. Utilize online salary calculators to determine fair compensation based on your role, experience, and location.

Your university’s career center can also provide valuable insights into expected salaries, and connecting with alumni in your field can help illuminate real-world earning potential.

To enhance your salary prospects, consider internships in your field. Gaining hands-on experience can make you a more attractive candidate, distinguishing you from peers without practical experience.

Salary Isn’t Everything

Today’s graduates understand that comprehensive benefits often outweigh mere salary figures. While a competitive paycheck is important, other forms of compensation also hold value. Consider factors beyond base salary, including:

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Life insurance
  • Sales commission
  • Stock options
  • Bonuses
  • Overtime pay
  • Non-cash benefits (e.g., meals, gym access, company vehicles)
  • Retirement benefits (e.g., 401(k) matching)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career advancement potential

Thus, don’t dismiss offers with lower-than-expected salaries without considering the full compensation package. Some benefits are straightforward to quantify, while opportunities for professional growth may provide long-term value that’s more challenging to assess. Prioritize what matters most to you as you evaluate job offers.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Matthew Zane

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

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