10 Most Profitable University Degrees with Fastest ROI
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Amid soaring higher education costs and growing public skepticism about the relevance of a bachelor’s degree, a critical question arises: Is the high cost of university still worth the returns?
A comprehensive analysis by the Postsecondary Commission, a non-profit education research organisation, offers an optimistic answer. Tracking over 29,000 students enrolled in bachelor’s programmes during the 2008-2009 academic year over a 15-year period, the study found that university graduates generally earn significantly higher incomes long-term compared to those with only high school diplomas.
Researchers used a strict metric called “cumulative net value-added earnings” (accumulated net value-added earnings). This metric compares total earnings of graduates against those who never attended university. Crucially, the calculation deducts all education-related expenses, including tuition fees, living costs (accommodation and food), and opportunity cost – the potential income lost during study periods.
The study revealed that, on average, graduates earned a net income of nearly US$86,806 (approximately Rp1.41 billion) more over 15 years, even after accounting for high tuition costs.
Engineering and Architecture topped the list for best return on investment (ROI), closely followed by Business and Economics. However, another surprising finding was that Liberal Arts graduates, often perceived as low-earning, still outperformed high school graduates’ average earnings by US$35,481 long-term.
“Those who pursue a bachelor’s degree, regardless of their field of study, have made a highly prudent investment,” said Michael Itzkowitz, president of HEA Group and higher education consultant, quoted by CBS News on Friday, 29 May 2026.
“This financial gain is likely to grow exponentially over time as careers advance and skills improve,” he added.
Although the study focused specifically on Texas, which has unique regional economic dynamics, its comparative methodology is robust due to inclusion of opportunity cost – the income lost while studying.
However, a critical caveat: the data was collected nearly two decades ago, before generative AI disrupted the global labour market. Many recent graduates now fear AI will reduce entry-level job opportunities.
Do Associate Degrees and Certifications Still Hold Value?
For those unwilling to spend four years on a bachelor’s degree, the study also analysed the effectiveness of associate degrees and certification courses. Results varied widely, with most two- or three-year diploma graduates achieving positive returns.
Construction trades emerged as top performers, adding nearly US$73,000 in earnings over 10 years. Conversely, some two-year diploma programmes recorded long-term net financial losses.
Culinary services and logistics sectors each recorded net investment losses of around US$13,000 and US$15,000 compared to entering the workforce straight after high school. Short-term professional certifications also faced similar losses.
Construction certifications yielded the highest returns, around US$48,000 after five years. However, seven other certification fields, including social sciences and information technology (IT), reported net losses as certification costs outweighed salary increases.
Below is the complete data on net income increases by bachelor’s degree field over 15 years:
Engineering & Architecture – US$204,686
Business & Economics – US$183,841
Security & Protective Services – US$109,925
Agriculture & Natural Resources – US$106,758
Biology & Health – US$100,287
Physical Sciences & Math – US$98,173
Communications – US$70,382
Social Sciences – US$51,314
Parks, Recreation, Leisure & Fitness – US$42,362
Liberal Arts – US$35,481