7 Wentworth Degrees Recognized Among Top Earners in CNBC Report

by Greg Abazorius
a woman working on a computer engineering project

When it comes to return on investment, certain college degrees consistently lead the pack. A recent CNBC report, drawing on the latest findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, highlights the highest-paying college majors five years after graduation and the list closely mirrors the academic offerings at Wentworth Institute of Technology. 

Seven of the top 10 highest-earning degrees align with core programs at Wentworth. 

The New York Fed’s data, based on 2024 U.S. Census Bureau numbers, shows that engineering, technology, and computer science degrees dominate the top-earning fields. Here’s how Wentworth programs match up with CNBC’s top-10 list for early-career compensation: 

  • Computer Engineering: Tied for No. 1 ($90,000)
  • Computer Science: No. 2 ($87,000)
  • Electrical Engineering: No. 6 ($82,000)
  • Mechanical Engineering: No. 7 ($80,000)
  • Construction Management: Aligns with Construction Services at No. 8 ($75,000)
  • Civil Engineering: Tied for No. 8 ($75,000)
  • Engineering (General): Tied for No. 8 ($75,000) 

Wentworth’s academic model prepares students for these high-earning fields through a combination of practical, project-based coursework and embedded industry experience. Rather than relying solely on traditional lectures, students begin tackling real-world applications in active labs and studios early in their academic careers. 

This hands-on foundation is further solidified by two full-time co-op semesters, allowing students to translate theory into practice. Graduates enter the workforce with a dual advantage of technical proficiency and established professional networks, positioning them to step directly into the highly compensated roles highlighted in the New York Fed data.