Introduction
Choosing to study in the United States is a dream for millions of students worldwide. The U.S. is home to top-ranked universities, world-class faculty, and career opportunities that attract international students every year. But higher education in America is expensive, so one question always arises:
“What is the return on investment? How much do U.S. graduates actually earn?”
In 2025, the job market remains strong but competitive, shaped by technology growth, artificial intelligence, healthcare demand, and global economic shifts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), salaries for graduates vary widely by degree level, major, and location.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the average salaries of USA university graduates in 2025, including:
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Salary by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
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Earnings by field of study (STEM, Business, Arts, etc.)
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Regional differences across the USA
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Starting salaries for the Class of 2025
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Factors that influence graduate salaries
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Career outlook and long-term salary growth
By the end, you’ll know exactly which degrees and majors offer the best return on your U.S. education investment.
Average Salaries by Degree Level (2025)
Your degree level plays the most important role in determining earning potential. Here’s how much graduates make on average:
| Degree Level | Median Annual Salary (2025) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | ~$49,556 | BLS (2025 Q1 data) |
| Associate Degree | ~$56,992 | BLS (2025 Q1 data) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | ~$91,208 | BLS (2025 Q1 data) |
| Master’s Degree | ~$95,680 | Bankrate (2025) |
| Doctoral Degree | ~$118,456 | Bankrate (2025) |
Key Takeaways
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Bachelor’s graduates earn almost double what high school diploma holders earn.
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Doctoral graduates cross the six-figure mark with a median of $118,456 annually.
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Master’s degrees add salary growth, but the increase over bachelor’s varies by major.
Starting Salaries: Class of 2025
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) projects that the average starting salary for the Class of 2025 will be $76,251.
Breakdown by Field (NACE 2025 Data)
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Engineering & Computer Science: $80,000+
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Business Graduates: $65,276
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Social Sciences & Mathematics: Lower than previous years
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Arts & Humanities: Average between $50,000–$55,000
💡 Tip for graduates: Students often expect higher pay (around $101,500 according to ZipRecruiter surveys), but actual starting offers are usually 20–30% lower.
Average Salaries by Major (2025)
Not all degrees are created equal. Fields such as technology and healthcare consistently outperform arts and education in earning potential.
| Field / Major | Median Annual Salary (2025) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | ~$108,500 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Electrical Engineering | ~$121,600 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Economics | ~$101,400 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Business | ~$65,276 (starting) | NACE (2025) |
| Nursing / Healthcare | ~$96,500 | BLS |
| Social Work | ~$55,060 | Census Bureau |
| Fine Arts | ~$53,450 | Census Bureau |
| Education | ~$57,000 | Census Bureau |
Observations
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STEM majors dominate with the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000+ annually.
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Business and economics graduates earn competitive salaries with potential for rapid growth.
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Arts, education, and social work provide fulfilling careers but with modest pay.
Regional Salary Differences in the USA
Salary outcomes also depend on where you work.
High-Paying Regions
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California (Silicon Valley & San Francisco) → Tech graduates can earn $120,000+ starting salaries.
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New York City & Boston → Finance, consulting, and law majors command high salaries.
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Washington, D.C. → Public policy, law, and international relations roles pay well.
Moderate-Paying Regions
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Midwest states like Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan → $70,000–$90,000 for most graduates.
Lower-Paying Regions
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Rural and southern states → Salaries are lower (e.g., $55,000–$65,000), but cost of living is also much cheaper.
Factors Influencing Graduate Salaries
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Degree Level – Bachelor’s vs. Master’s vs. PhD.
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Field of Study – STEM fields pay significantly higher.
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Location – Salaries in San Francisco differ greatly from rural states.
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Employer Type – Tech and finance firms pay more than nonprofits or government.
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Internships & Experience – Work experience increases entry-level salaries.
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Skills in Demand – AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity are 2025’s hottest skills.
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Industry Trends – Green energy, healthcare, and fintech are booming sectors.
Salary Growth and Career Outlook
Long-Term Trends
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STEM graduates continue to experience the fastest salary growth.
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Hybrid majors (business + tech) are increasingly valuable.
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PhD holders are in demand for research, academia, and specialized industries.
Projected Salary Growth (2025–2030)
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Computer Science / AI → 20%+ increase
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Healthcare → 18% increase
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Business / Finance → 10–12% increase
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Arts & Education → 6–8% increase
ROI: Cost of Degree vs. Salary
Studying in the USA is expensive, but salaries usually justify the investment.
| Degree Type | Avg. Tuition (4 years) | Median Salary (2025) | ROI Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | $120,000+ | $91,208 | Strong ROI |
| Master’s | $40,000–$70,000 | $95,680 | Moderate ROI |
| Doctoral | $100,000+ | $118,456 | Excellent ROI in STEM |
FAQs – Average Salaries of USA University Graduates in 2025
Q1: What is the average salary of U.S. university graduates in 2025?
The average salary is around $91,208 annually for bachelor’s degree holders, with starting salaries averaging $76,251.
Q2: Which majors earn the most in 2025?
Computer science, engineering, and economics graduates earn the highest salaries, often above $100,000.
Q3: Do master’s and PhD degrees increase earnings?
Yes. Master’s graduates earn ~$95,000, while PhD holders earn ~$118,000 annually.
Q4: Which states offer the highest graduate salaries?
California, New York, and Massachusetts offer the highest pay due to tech and finance industries.
Q5: How much do arts and humanities graduates earn?
On average, between $50,000–$55,000 annually, depending on the field.
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Conclusion
The average salaries of USA university graduates in 2025 show that higher education still pays off. A bachelor’s degree nearly doubles lifetime earnings compared to high school, while master’s and PhD holders command six-figure salaries.
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STEM fields lead the way with the highest salaries.
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Business and economics graduates enjoy strong mid-range pay and career growth.
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Arts, humanities, and social work provide meaningful careers but with modest earnings.
For international students, understanding salary trends is essential to evaluating the cost of U.S. education. By choosing in-demand majors, targeting high-paying regions, and gaining internship experience, graduates can maximize both their career opportunities and financial return on investment.