A Student’s Dilemma — Debt vs. Ambition
When Maya walked across the stage at her small-town high school, she believed her biggest challenge would be choosing where to attend college. She planned to major in biology, become a public health researcher, and change the world. Five years after graduating, however, Maya found herself burdened by tens of thousands of dollars in debt, while her friends in engineering were pulling in salaries far beyond what she expected. She wondered: Did she pick the “right” path?
This is the tough reality for many students. The debt you take on for college doesn’t disappear after graduation. Meanwhile, salaries vary dramatically depending on your major, institution, and career trajectory. Comparing college debt to salaries after five years across popular majors reveals startling gaps in earning power versus financial burden.
On the debt side, many students graduate owing between $25,000 and $40,000 in student loans. In fact, about 70 % of bachelor’s degree holders finish college with debt. On average, monthly payments can be in the range of $500+, eating into early-career income. Meanwhile, salary projections for 5 years out show huge variation: engineering majors often command much higher wages, while majors in humanities or social sciences may lag behind.
In the next section, we will dig into specific data for ten common majors such as engineering, business, computer science, education, nursing, psychology, communications, biology, economics, and criminal justice. For each, we’ll look at:
- Average or typical debt levels
- Expected salary around year 5
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Net income after loan payments
- Risks and advantages for each major
You might be surprised by how some majors barely break even, while others yield solid returns even after debt. These insights matter because they help students choose a major not just by passion, but by financial sustainability.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand:
- Which majors tend to “pay off” after accounting for debt
- How much debt might be too much for a given salary path
- Strategies to reduce risk and increase return
- How our blogs about education, college lifestyle, student loans, and admissions help you make smarter decisions
Are you ready to dive into the data and see which majors really provide the best balance of debt and salary?
The Real Numbers — How Debt and Salary Stack Up
Every major tells a financial story. While all promise opportunity, not all deliver the same financial return. Understanding the relationship between college debt and salary after five years helps students plan for stability, not just success. The truth? Some degrees practically pay for themselves—others may take a decade or more.
Average Debt and Salary After 5 Years by Major
| Major | Average Total Debt at Graduation ($) | Average Student Debt After 5 Years ($) | Median Salary After 5 Years ($) | Debt-to-Income Ratio (%) | Notes / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 31,000 | 25,000 – 30,000 | 78,000 – 85,000 | 34 – 38 % | High early-career pay; excellent ROI and job growth |
| Computer Science | 33,000 | 25,000 – 35,000 | 75,000 – 83,000 | 35 – 40 % | Rapid salary growth; strong job security in AI and software |
| Business Administration | 32,000 | 27,000 – 33,000 | 65,000 – 70,000 | 40 – 45 % | Balanced debt-to-earnings; steady salary growth |
| Nursing | 37,000 | 28,000 – 38,000 | 68,000 – 74,000 | 38 – 42 % | Strong employment rate; loan forgiveness for public health nurses |
| Economics | 35,000 | 30,000 – 35,000 | 72,000 – 80,000 | 36 – 39 % | Excellent long-term earning potential |
| Biology | 38,000 | 30,000 – 37,000 | 55,000 – 60,000 | 55 – 60 % | Grad school often needed for higher pay |
| Psychology | 40,000 | 32,000 – 40,000 | 50,000 – 56,000 | 60 – 65 % | Advanced degrees needed for top salaries |
| Education | 33,000 | 28,000 – 35,000 | 47,000 – 53,000 | 60 – 70 % | Heavy debt burden; slower repayment pace |
| Communications | 36,000 | 30,000 – 36,000 | 55,000 – 60,000 | 50 – 55 % | Growth improves over time; slower start |
| Criminal Justice | 32,000 | 27,000 – 33,000 | 50,000 – 58,000 | 50 – 58 % | Stable public sector jobs; slower raises |
(Data from The Hamilton Project, EducationData.org, SoFi, Bankrate, and APLU.)
What the Data Shows
The numbers tell a simple truth — debt isn’t equal across majors. Some students graduate with manageable loans they can pay off quickly, while others face longer struggles balancing payments with modest salaries.
Majors With the Strongest ROI
- Engineering — With the highest 5-year salaries, most engineers pay down over half of their debt within five years.
- Computer Science — Rapid growth in AI, data, and cybersecurity boosts early income.
- Economics — A flexible major leading to finance, consulting, and analytics roles.
- Nursing — High demand and loan-forgiveness options make this a secure investment.
- Business — Balanced debt and growth potential, especially in management and entrepreneurship.
💡 Key insight: The best-paying majors maintain debt-to-income ratios below 40%, meaning graduates can comfortably repay loans while advancing careers.
Majors With the Weakest ROI
- Education — Essential field but low starting pay. Teachers often depend on federal loan forgiveness.
- Psychology — Requires advanced study for strong earnings; bachelor’s holders struggle early.
- Biology — Valuable but financially limited until postgraduate work.
- Criminal Justice — Reliable employment, moderate income, slow upward mobility.
- Communications — Early salaries lag behind, but long-term pay can improve with experience.
💡 Key insight: For many liberal arts and service majors, success depends on graduate education or long-term growth, not immediate pay.
Debt-to-Income Progression Over Time
| Major | Starting Salary ($) | Salary After 5 Years ($) | Debt Remaining ($) | Est. Loan Repayment Progress (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 65,000 | 85,000 | 15,000 | 60–70% paid | Fast growth, strong job security |
| Computer Science | 63,000 | 82,000 | 17,000 | 55–65% paid | Fast promotions, tech boom benefit |
| Business | 55,000 | 68,000 | 20,000 | 50–60% paid | Moderate but steady repayment |
| Nursing | 58,000 | 70,000 | 18,000 | 55–65% paid | Forgiveness programs help |
| Economics | 60,000 | 78,000 | 19,000 | 55–65% paid | Quick ROI and mobility |
| Biology | 45,000 | 58,000 | 25,000 | 35–45% paid | Grad school delays repayment |
| Psychology | 43,000 | 55,000 | 27,000 | 30–40% paid | Low early pay |
| Education | 40,000 | 50,000 | 23,000 | 40–45% paid | Depends on public loan relief |
| Communications | 47,000 | 59,000 | 22,000 | 45–50% paid | Growth comes later |
| Criminal Justice | 44,000 | 56,000 | 21,000 | 45–55% paid | Slow but steady progress |
(Compiled from Hamilton Project, TICAS, and EducationData.org.)
Visual Breakdown: Average Starting Debt by Field
| Field | Average Starting Debt ($) |
|---|---|
| STEM (Engineering, CS, Math) | 32,000 |
| Business | 31,000 |
| Health (Nursing, Allied Health) | 36,000 |
| Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Economics) | 38,000 |
| Humanities (Education, English, Arts) | 34,000 |
Key Observations
- STEM fields lead to higher initial debt but much higher starting pay.
- Education and humanities majors face lower salaries and longer repayment timelines.
- Health-related majors show moderate debt with strong job security.
- Psychology and biology graduates are most likely to enter graduate school, increasing total debt.
- Business and economics majors enjoy balanced growth and financial stability.
Tips for Students Managing College Debt
- Apply for scholarships annually — Many students forget they can apply after their first year.
- Use income-driven repayment (IDR) plans — Keeps payments affordable relative to income.
- Work during college — Even 10 hours a week can offset thousands in future debt.
- Compare ROI across majors before choosing — High passion is great, but financial awareness is vital.
- Plan for loan forgiveness — Especially for public-service fields like education and healthcare.
How Our Education Blogs Help Students Tackle Debt
Our education, college lifestyle, and student loan blogs break down financial concepts into real-world guidance. We help students:
- Compare debt and salary projections across majors.
- Understand loan repayment and forgiveness options.
- Learn how to budget effectively while in college.
- Plan ahead for graduate school costs and financial aid.
Each post simplifies complex data, helping students make informed financial choices early. We believe that when students understand debt, they can control it — not the other way around.
Key Takeaways
Knowledge equals power — students who research debt and salary data make smarter college choices.
STEM majors (Engineering, CS, Economics) show the strongest early salary-to-debt ratios.
Humanities and education majors face higher debt pressure, but public service forgiveness helps.
Debt management begins with informed planning and realistic repayment goals.
Long-term ROI depends not just on salary, but on how debt is managed after graduation.
Final Thoughts — Balancing Dreams and Debt
After looking closely at how college debt and salary growth align across majors, one truth stands out: not all degrees offer equal financial footing. Some majors set graduates up for fast payback, while others require longer journeys toward balance. But that doesn’t mean you must give up your passion—just plan wisely before you borrow.
Students today are more informed than ever, and understanding debt early can prevent future stress. Whether you’re drawn to engineering, nursing, or education, knowing what you’ll owe and what you’ll earn matters.
Here’s what to remember before choosing your path:
- Compare ROI before enrolling. The average debt at graduation ranges from $31,000 to $38,000, but some majors earn twice as much within five years.
- Plan repayment early. Use income-driven repayment or refinancing if necessary to stay ahead.
- Explore loan forgiveness programs. Public service, education, and healthcare roles can erase thousands in debt.
- Focus on value, not just prestige. A smaller school with scholarships may offer better long-term payoff than a costly university.
- Budget realistically. Even small lifestyle changes—like part-time work or living at home—reduce borrowing needs.
- Think beyond salary. A fulfilling career can still bring stability when paired with smart money management.
Our college and student loan blogs guide you through every stage—from applying for aid to paying off loans—so you can enjoy the freedom that comes with being financially informed.
In the end, your degree should open doors, not create barriers. So, before signing that loan agreement, ask yourself: is your dream major worth the debt you’ll carry into your future?
Works Cited
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Digest of Education Statistics 2024. U.S. Department of Education, 2025.
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/
The Hamilton Project. Major Decisions: Graduates’ Earnings Growth and Debt Repayment. Brookings Institution, 2023.
https://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/major_decisions_graduates_earnings_growth_debt_repayment.pdf
EducationData.org. Average Student Loan Debt Statistics. Education Data Initiative, 2024.
https://educationdata.org/average-student-loan-debt
EducationData.org. Average Student Loan Payment. Education Data Initiative, 2024.
https://educationdata.org/average-student-loan-payment
SoFi. Student Loan Debt by Major: The Complete Guide. SoFi Learn, 2024.
https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/student-loan-debt-by-major/
Bankrate. Average College Graduate Salary in the U.S. Bankrate, 2024.
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/average-college-graduate-salary/
The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS). Student Debt and the Class of 2023. TICAS, 2024.
https://ticas.org/interactive-map/student-debt-and-the-class-of-2023/
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Public University Facts & Figures: Student Debt.APLU, 2024.
https://www.aplu.org/library/public-university-facts-and-figures-student-debt/file
Georgia Student Finance Commission. College Money Matters: Financial Aid Planning. GAfutures.org, 2024.
https://www.gafutures.org/financial-aid-planning/college-money-matters/
Forbes Advisor. Best College Majors for Future Earning Potential. Forbes, 2024.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/best-college-majors-for-future-earning-potential/
