This article discusses the correlation between college education and earning potential. While college graduates generally earn more than those without a degree, the specific school attended can significantly influence salary.
A study by Payscale ranked colleges based on their alumni's early- and mid-career earnings. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the list, with graduates earning a median income of $196,900 a decade after graduation. Other top-performing schools included Princeton, the United States Naval Academy, Harvey Mudd College, and Babson College.
The study also found that Ivy League schools, while prestigious, may not have a significant impact on earnings. Instead, factors like major choice and field of study play a more crucial role. STEM majors, such as petroleum engineering, consistently out-earn those in liberal arts.