Ah, college. Days filled with challenging classes, lively debates, ultimate Frisbee games and nights filled with – never mind. Higher education comes in a variety of forms, and obtaining a bachelor's degree creates new opportunities for your career and can help you land a secure, high-paying job.
Consider one of these 11 well-paying, in-demand jobs for people with a bachelor's degree:
1. Actuary*
Description: Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess the chances that an event will occur and to help businesses and clients develop policies to minimize the cost of that risk.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 27 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $87,650
2. Advertising, promotions and marketing manager
Description: Advertising, promotions and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in a project or service. They work with art directors, sales agents and financial staff members.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 14 percent (about as fast as average)
Median annual pay: $108,260
3. Biomedical engineer
Description: Biomedical engineers analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 62 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $81,540
4. Computer system analyst
Description: Computer system analysts study an organization's computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $77,740
5. Environmental engineer
Description: Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health and control of water and air pollution.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $78,740
6. Geoscientist
Description: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure and processes, in order to learn about its past, present and future.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 21 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $82,500
7. Health and safety engineer
Description: Health and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to keep people from getting sick or injured and to keep property from being damaged.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 13 percent (about as fast as average)
Median annual pay: $75,430
8. Information security analyst, Web developer and computer network architect
Description: Information security analysts, Web developers and computer network architects use information technology to advance their organization's goals. Security analysts ensure a company's information stays safe from cyberattacks. Web developers create websites to give companies a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks that workers within organizations use.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $75,660
9. Management analyst
Description: Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency and profitability by advising managers on how to cut costs and increase revenue.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $78,160
10. Medical and health services manager
Description: Medical and health services managers plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, specialize in managing a specific clinical area or department or manage a medical practice for a group of physicians.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Median annual pay: $84,270
11. Software developer
Description: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device while others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.
Job growth outlook, 2010-20: 30 percent (much faster than average)
Median annual pay: $90,530
Source: careerbuilder