2024 Colleges With Highest Paid Graduates

How Should Post-Graduation Salary Impact My College Decision?

When it comes to college, there are plenty of factors to consider, from acceptance rate to tuition cost to overall college ranking. One of the most important factors to consider is salary prospects after college. Hence why we’ve chosen to focus an entire section on the colleges with the highest paying graduates, on average.

What Factors Determine How Much I’ll Make As a College Graduate?

Some of the factors that contribute to high salaries for graduates of these colleges include the caliber of their academics and their faculty. For example, how many notable professors does the school employ, are they too generous with tenuring, do they have highly authored professors that have both academic and professional experience. Too much or too little of any of those attributes can lead to a subpar experience for students, which ultimately leads to worse payment outcomes.

Another critical factor is how close the school is to local employers. This can have a huge impact on quick employment placement after graduation, and also on the quality and accessibility of internships while still in school - which is perhaps the single largest contributor to landing a high-paying job right out of college. Additionally, the reputation of a college may play a larger role in the salary of its graduates, as employers may be more inclined to pay more for graduates of well-known and respected schools.

What Are The Benefits of Attending A School With High Paid Graduates?

Aside from the obvious benefits of more money, attending a college with high paid graduates can provide you with a number of benefits. You will be able to maximize the return on your educational investment, have greater access to high-paying jobs, and have greater job security. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to network with successful professionals in your field and expand your skill set. So not only are the potential career opportunities, but the networking and mentorship you can find from exceptional alumni groups also is a huge factor to consider.

What Are The Colleges With The Highest Paid Graduates?

In addition to the full ranking list below, here’s a quick deep dive on the top 5 in particular:

MCPHS University

If you're looking for exceptional salaries right out of school, look no further than MCPHS University (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services), which tops the list for colleges with the highest paid graduates. It's worth noting there's a particular emphasis on medical and health-related disciplines. The school boasts an exceptional salary for new graduates, and with an acceptance rate of 85%, it's highly accessible to pretty much everyone. That being said, although tuition isn't cheap, it's still very affordable at $33,600 when compared to the other schools topping this list. Located in the heart of Boston, there's lots to enjoy around campus, and with a relatively intimate student body of just over 8,000 students - it can be a great place to springboard a high-earning career. It's also worth noting, the school ranks 225th overall.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Next up is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known to many as the leading STEM school in the world. There's no question, the graduates of MIT command the highest salaries in the world, outstripping its traditional Ivy League rivals. Combining a stellar curriculum with exceptional links to employers in tech, finance, and science, it's no wonder salaries are so high. That being said, with an acceptance rate at an impressive 7%, and tuition costs of $53,450, it's not for the faint of heart.

Babson College

Babson College, located in Wellesley, MA, is the third college on the list for the highest paid graduates. Its reputation for producing successful business leaders and entrepreneurs has made it a household name. Graduates of Babson often have an edge when it comes to starting their own businesses or entering the world of finance. With a 26% acceptance rate, and tuition costs of $52,608, it's still a relatively exclusive and expensive school, but well worth it for those that can afford it.

Stanford University

Located in Stanford, CA - Stanford University is another Ivy League university with alumni earning some of the highest salaries. Ever since it opened its doors in 1885, Stanford has produced some of the most influential figures in the world. With a 4% acceptance rate and tuition of $52,857, it's absolutely one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

University of the Sciences

Finally, the University of the Sciences, in Philadelphia PA, rounds out the top 5 colleges with the highest paid graduates. Graduates of the University receive excellent salaries, often in the health field. With acceptance rate at 71%, and tuition costs at $23,300, it's one of the most affordable options on this list. Though it may not be as exclusive as some of the other schools mentioned, it's well-known for producing some of the best medical professionals in the field. With an overall college rank of 208, this school can be a great option for those that prefer a smaller, more intimate college setting.

How Important is Graduate Salary In My College Decision?

Although making good money is a huge upside to attending a strong college, it’s far from the only (or most important) factor in one’s college decision. We especially encourage students to speak with alumni at their college target to really make sure the school’s statistics align with what the professional market is rewarding. Speaking with alumni, recent grands and current seniors about their job experience and internship opportunities can give you an extremely intimate look into what the real possibilities are for your future as a graduate from each given college. For those looking to maximize their return on their educational investment, these colleges with the highest paid graduates (albeit expensive) should be at the top of your list.