For Oregon students heading to college, choosing the right major can not only have a huge impact on their lives, but can determine their future earning potential. With tuition costs continuing to rise, many students are considering which degrees may offer the strongest return on investment after graduation. According to a recent report from National University, several bachelor's degrees can lead to careers with six-figure salaries and strong projected job growth. Many of the highest-paying degrees are concentrated in technology, engineering, healthcare and business, fields that continue to see demand from employers nationwide. Here's a look at some of the highest-paying bachelor's degrees for 2026, according to National University. 11. Marketing A degree in marketing can lead to a career in advertising, branding and brand management, data analytics, digital marketing, public relations, market research and social media management. "Marketing majors focus on understanding consumer behavior, analyzing market trends, and promoting products and services to target audiences," the study said. A bachelor's degree in marketing could lead to a position as a Marketing Manager, someone who develops and executes marketing strategies based on market trends and customer behavior to drive sales and brand awareness while achieving marketing objectives, according to the report. They also earn an average annual salary of $159,660, and the field is projected to grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034." 10. Logistics and Supply Chain Management A degree in logistics and supply chain management can lead to a career helping companies move products efficiently from manufacturers to consumers. "Logistics and supply chain management majors learn how to coordinate and optimize the flow of goods and materials across supply chains," the study said. "They study inventory management, procurement, transportation, operations strategy, and data analysis to solve complex logistical challenges." The report found that logistics and supply chain management graduates can go on to earn positions as logistics managers, supply chain analysts and operations managers. It also found that the average salary of transportation, storage and distribution managers is $102,010 per year with a projected job growth of 6% between 2024 and 2034. 9. Human Resource Management A human resources major can lead to a steady profession where a person is responsible for recruiting employees, managing workplace policies and supporting company culture. "Students study topics like training, compensation, and organizational strategy to learn how to foster a positive workplace culture," the study said. "This major prepares graduates for roles as HR specialists, HR managers, organizational development consultants, or compensation and benefits managers." A position as a Human Resources Manager is often achieved with only a bachelor's degree and by working up through the company. The study reported that the average salary of this position is $140,030, and the job growth rate is projected to be 5% between 2024-2034. A Compensation and Benefits Manager is another HR role that earns an average of $140,360. However, it has a 0% projected growth in the next 10 years, according to the study. 8. Data Science Data science majors have a promising career outlook as there is a growing demand for data-based decision-making and a projected 34% job growth rate between 2024 and 2034. "Data science majors learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract insights that solve problems and drive decision-making," the study said. "Coursework builds skills in statistics, data modeling, machine learning, and data visualization." A career in data science allows graduates to convert raw information into strategic solutions for fields ranging from business to healthcare and technology while earning an average salary of $112,590 a year. 7. Economics As an economics major, students will get to explore how societies make decisions about using scarce resources and study concepts such as supply and demand alongside the forces that shape markets. "Students learn to apply mathematical models, data analysis, and critical thinking to understand economic behavior and predict outcomes," the study said. "The deep analytical skills they develop prepare them for careers in finance, policy, government, business, and research." The average salary of an Economist is $115,440 per year. However, the job outlook is slower than average with a 1% growth rate from 2024 to 2034. 6. Construction Management A degree in construction management can lead to a career overseeing large building projects from planning through completion. "Construction management majors learn how to plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish, the study said. "Coursework includes project management, budgeting, safety regulations, team leadership, and resource allocation. It also noted that construction management graduates can find opportunities in both residential and commercial development and earn an average annual salary of $106,980. The projected growth rate between 2024 and 2034 is also higher than average at 9%. 5. Business Administration and Management Business administration remains one of the most versatile degrees available. "Business administration/management majors learn how organizations operate and how to lead teams and manage resources to achieve strategic objectives," the study said. "Students develop skills in leadership, marketing, strategic planning, finance, and organizational behavior." Graduates can pursue careers in management, operations, consulting and entrepreneurship, with many advancing into high-paying leadership roles. Positions like Sales Manager earn an average of $138,060 a year with a projected 5% growth rate over the next 8 years. 4. Nursing Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields in the United States. While a person doesn't necessarily need a degree to become a nurse, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can lead to careers as a registered nurse and serve as a pathway to advanced healthcare positions with even higher earning potential, according to the study. Nurses make an average annual salary of $93,600, and the nursing field had a faster-than-average growth rate of 5% projected between 2024-2034. 3. Finance Finance graduates often work in banking, investment management, financial planning and corporate finance. "Finance majors learn how individuals and organizations manage money, assess risk, do financial planning, and make investments," the study said. "Coursework covers accounting, economics, financial markets, and data analysis." A Financial Analysis earns an average of $101,910 a year with a projected growth rate of 6% between 2024-2034, while a Financial Manager has an average annual salary of $161,700 and a projected growth rate of 15%. 2. Engineering An education in engineering is one of the highest-paying career paths, with specialties in computer, aerospace, chemical and electrical engineering regularly leading to six figure salaries. "Engineering majors apply math, science, and critical thinking to create everything from bridges and rockets to medical devices and computer systems," the study said. "Depending on their focus, such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, students learn to solve real-world problems by designing, building, and optimizing systems, products, and technologies across a wide range of industries. Careers in engineering have faster than average growth rates and earn an average salary between $118,000 to $155,000 per year. 1. Computer Science and Software Development A degree in computer science topped National University's list of the highest-paying bachelor's degrees for 2026. Graduates who study computer science and software development can pursue careers as software developers, network architects, cybersecurity specialists and other technology professionals. The report found many careers in computer science and software development offer average annual salaries above $130,000 and will continue to see strong job growth rates of 12-15% between 2024-2034. How were the rankings determined? National University based its rankings on career salary data and employment outlook information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report focused on bachelor's degrees that can lead to high-paying careers without requiring graduate-level education.

Source: Statesman Journal

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