If you're asking what degree gets hired the most, you're not just looking for a piece of paper-you're looking for a direct path to a job. And in 2025, the answer isn’t about prestige or tradition. It’s about demand, skills, and real-world outcomes. Some degrees still open doors faster than others, not because they’re harder, but because companies are desperate to fill them.
Computer Science is still the top hire
More than any other degree, Computer Science leads in hiring numbers. In 2024, U.S. employers posted over 1.2 million open roles for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. That number didn’t drop-it grew by 18% from 2023. Companies aren’t just hiring coders. They’re hiring people who can fix broken systems, automate workflows, and protect data. A bachelor’s in Computer Science gives you direct access to these roles. Graduates land jobs at tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, but also at hospitals, banks, and local governments that need tech help but don’t have big IT teams.
Why does this degree win? It’s not just about writing code. It’s about problem-solving with tools that every industry now depends on. A 2025 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 73% of employers prioritize Computer Science graduates over candidates from other majors-even in non-tech fields like logistics or agriculture.
Registered Nursing is the other giant
If you’re not into computers, here’s another field that’s always hiring: healthcare. Specifically, Registered Nursing (RN). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 200,000 new nursing jobs each year through 2032. Why? Aging populations, burnout in the profession, and a wave of retirements among current nurses. Hospitals, clinics, and home care agencies are offering signing bonuses up to $30,000 just to get qualified nurses in the door.
The path is clear: earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), pass the NCLEX exam, and you’re eligible to work. Many hospitals even pay for your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after you start. You don’t need a four-year degree upfront to get hired. But if you’re looking for long-term growth, promotions, or specialty roles like ICU or pediatrics, the BSN becomes essential. Nursing is one of the few degrees where you can start working, earn a salary, and finish your degree on the job.
Engineering degrees are steady, not flashy
Engineering degrees-especially Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil-don’t make headlines like tech or nursing, but they’re quietly hiring at high rates. The infrastructure bill passed in 2021 created a surge in demand for engineers who can design bridges, upgrade power grids, and build renewable energy systems. In 2024, over 110,000 new engineering jobs opened across the U.S., mostly in state and local government contractors.
What makes engineering stand out? You don’t need to go to a top school to get hired. Many employers hire from community colleges with 2+2 transfer programs. An associate’s in engineering technology can lead to a technician role, then you move up with a bachelor’s. Employers value hands-on experience. Internships, co-ops, and lab work matter more than GPA.
Accounting and Finance: The quiet workhorses
Every business needs someone who can balance the books. That’s why Accounting and Finance degrees are consistently in the top five for job placements. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential remains one of the most respected in the field. But you don’t need to be a CPA right away. Many entry-level roles-like bookkeeper, junior auditor, or financial analyst-only require a bachelor’s degree and basic software skills in QuickBooks or Excel.
What’s changed? Automation has taken over routine tasks. So now, employers want accountants who can interpret data, spot fraud patterns, and advise on tax strategy. If you can combine accounting knowledge with basic data analysis skills, you’ll stand out. Companies in e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing are hiring accountants faster than ever to manage complex supply chain costs.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Don’t confuse Computer Science with Information Technology (IT). IT degrees focus on networks, hardware, cloud systems, and security. And right now, cybersecurity is the hottest subfield. The U.S. government alone has over 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles. Private companies are just as desperate. A degree in Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity can get you hired as a network security analyst in under six months.
Many employers accept certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA alongside a two-year associate’s degree. That means you can start working while finishing your bachelor’s. You don’t need to spend four years and $100,000 to get into this field. Bootcamps and community college programs now offer affordable, fast-track paths that lead directly to jobs.
What degrees don’t get hired as much?
Not all degrees are created equal in the job market. Degrees in fine arts, philosophy, and some social sciences still have value-but they rarely lead to direct job placements. That doesn’t mean they’re useless. It means you’ll need to pair them with skills. A history major who learns digital marketing tools can work in content strategy. A psychology graduate with data analysis skills can become a UX researcher.
The trend is clear: employers want people who can do something specific. If your degree doesn’t come with built-in technical skills, you’ll need to add them. Certifications, internships, and side projects become your new resume.
What about degrees that don’t require four years?
You don’t need a bachelor’s to get hired fast. Many of the top jobs in 2025 go to people with associate’s degrees or certificates. For example:
- Associate’s in Nursing (ADN) → Registered Nurse
- Associate’s in IT or Cybersecurity → Network Technician
- Associate’s in Electrical Engineering Technology → Field Technician
- Certificate in Medical Coding → Health Information Technician
- Certificate in HVAC Technology → Climate Control Installer
These programs often cost under $10,000 and take two years or less. Many offer job placement guarantees. In states like Texas and Florida, community colleges partner directly with employers to train students for specific roles. You graduate, and you start work the next week.
How to pick the right degree for you
Don’t just chase the most hired degree. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to work with people, machines, data, or systems?
- Are you okay with shift work, on-call hours, or field work?
- Do you prefer a structured path (like nursing or accounting) or a fast-changing field (like tech)?
- Can you afford four years, or do you need to start earning sooner?
If you want speed and salary: go for nursing, IT, or cybersecurity.
If you want stability and growth: choose engineering or accounting.
If you want flexibility and remote options: computer science and data analytics lead the pack.
The best degree is the one that matches your strengths and gets you hired fast. It’s not about what looks impressive on paper. It’s about what gets you in the door-and keeps you there.
Is a bachelor’s degree still necessary to get hired?
Not always. Many high-demand jobs-like registered nursing, IT support, and HVAC technician-only require an associate’s degree or certificate. Employers in healthcare and skilled trades care more about certifications and hands-on experience than a four-year diploma. But for roles like software engineer, accountant, or engineer, a bachelor’s is still the standard entry requirement.
Which degrees have the highest starting salaries?
In 2025, Computer Science graduates earn the highest average starting salary at $78,000 per year. Engineering and Finance follow closely at $72,000 and $70,000. Nursing starts at around $65,000, but with overtime and specialty roles, many earn over $90,000 within five years. Even associate’s degree holders in IT or cybersecurity can start at $55,000-$65,000.
Can I switch careers with a new degree?
Absolutely. Many people switch into tech, healthcare, or skilled trades later in life. Community colleges offer accelerated programs for career changers. For example, a former retail worker can complete a 12-month medical coding certificate and land a remote job. Coding bootcamps also help professionals from other fields transition into software roles. Employers are more open than ever to non-traditional paths if you can prove your skills.
Do online degrees get hired as much as on-campus degrees?
Yes-if they’re from accredited schools. Employers don’t care if you took classes online or in person. They care about the school’s reputation, your skills, and your internship experience. A degree from Arizona State University or the University of Florida online is treated the same as their on-campus version. Avoid for-profit schools with high debt and low job placement rates. Stick to public universities and community colleges.
What if I already have a degree but can’t find a job?
Most job seekers who struggle have degrees without clear skills. Add certifications, build a portfolio, or take on freelance projects. A history major can learn Google Analytics and apply for digital marketing roles. A psychology grad can study Excel and apply for data entry or HR analyst jobs. Employers hire problem-solvers, not just degree holders. Your degree is a starting point-not your ending point.
Next steps: What to do now
Don’t wait for the perfect degree. Start with what’s possible:
- Check job listings on LinkedIn or Indeed for roles you’re interested in. Note the required degrees and certifications.
- Visit your local community college website. Look for programs with job placement rates over 80%.
- Reach out to alumni from those programs. Ask how they got hired.
- Apply for an internship or volunteer role-even if unpaid-to get real experience.
The job market rewards action, not just credentials. Pick a direction, start learning, and get your foot in the door. The degree that gets hired the most is the one you finish-and then use.
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