U.S. States Where College Graduates Earn the Most
If you are mulling over your choices for higher education, considering your future earnings in different regions of the U.S. may help you come to a decision. This article reveals the U.S. states where college graduates can expect to earn the most. According to the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale, here are the five states where college graduates make the most money:
- 1. Massachusetts: College graduates in Massachusetts go home with an average weekly wage of $1,346. This is not surprising because the state is home to many top-ranked universities and industries such as biotechnology, engineering, information technology, finance, and law.
- 2. New York: Second on the list is the Empire State, where college graduates earn an average weekly wage of $1,327. Considering that New York is a hub for many industries like finance, entertainment, and publishing, this does make sense.
- 3. Connecticut: Coming in third is Connecticut with a weekly wage for college graduates of $1,290. While this state might not host as many top universities like Massachusetts, it still provides a significant earning potential due to the concentration of insurance companies in the state.
- 4. California: In fourth place is the Golden State. College graduates here average a weekly wage of $1,254. California is known to be the home of Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and a host of other fields offering lucrative opportunities for college graduates.
- 5. New Jersey: Rounding out the list is New Jersey, with college graduates making an average weekly wage of $1,249. This state may fly a little under the radar, but it enjoys the business from pharmaceutical companies and financial institutions that contribute to its thriving economy.
These five states offer promising salaries to college graduates. However, it's key to remember that a higher salary doesn’t necessarily mean a higher net income. Living costs also factor into the net income after college. For instance, these states also have high costs of living, which can offset high incomes.
In conclusion, understanding these numbers can guide your decision about where to focus your career after graduation. While this data is a useful guide, remember that it's only one piece of the puzzle. Indeed, success can come from anywhere, and every state has its unique opportunities. Keep an open mind, and always strive to make the most of your education.