The Most and Least Lucrative College Majors in a Single Graph

Personal income isn’t determined by where you go to school. Rather, it’s determined by what you study in school, according to a new study released by Georgetown University economist Anthony Carnevale.

The following graph (via NPR) shows the difference in median income for people with different degrees:

"Figures are median income for all full-time workers with bachelor's degrees in each subject. Workers with graduate degrees are not included in the data." Source: Anthony Carnevale, Georgetown University. (Matt Stiles/NPP)

Michael Gardner, who recently graduated with a degree in psychology, was shocked when a writer for NPR told him that petroleum engineers make roughly $120,000.

See, after struggling to find a job, Gardner finally landed a $36,000 a year position as a case worker.

Still, differences in income aside, Gardner said he’s happy with the decisions he made in college.

"I came into the school knowing where I want to go and what i wanted to do," he said. "Honestly, I don't mind the money. It's more of a fulfilling thing for me."

Click here to see Carnevale’s complete study on college majors and income.

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