Which college majors tend to have the best financial return, and does it really matter?

Yes, major matters more than almost any other college choice for lifetime earnings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Reserve consistently show engineering, computer science, nursing and health fields, economics, and quantitative business majors leading in median pay, while some arts, humanities, and social-service fields pay less on average. That said, averages hide wide ranges, and earnings aren't the only measure of a worthwhile degree. The financially smart approach isn't to force yourself into the highest-paying field, but to align the debt you take on with the earnings your chosen path realistically supports. A modestly paid major can still make great financial sense if you keep costs and borrowing low. Look up median wages for careers tied to your major in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you commit.