Here we are in the first official week of fall, and a few weeks into the start of a new school year. For high school seniors, this means it's time to make a decision about where they'll spend the next four-plus years of their lives, not to mention accumulate four figures-plus of debt. It's more important than ever that today's teens think very carefully about their college choices--not just where to attend, but what to study. Prospective coeds would be wise to check out PayScale's latest College Salary Report, which offers a look at potential payout for degrees from more than 2,500 institutions. The report not only ranks the best two- and four-year schools by salary potential, but also best schools by major and common jobs for each major. Related: 10 states with the highest average student loan debt "Our annual report provides data to inform decisions about which school may make the most sense to attend, and even which major to choose based on a variety of factors. Students and parents want to make informed decisions about future career and income opportunities associated with their college education investment," said PayScale vice president Lydia Frank. "While earning potential should not be the only consideration, it is an important factor, especially when evaluating the cost of education today." The list's top schools for bachelor's degrees is includes a few Ivy League schools, tech schools and military academies. While not all college-bound teens will find themselves at a top-earning school, they would do well to consider a major that comes with a high earning potential. Take a look at the slides above to see the top 10 highest-paying majors for bachelor's degrees. Considering a career move? Browse some of our other career lists: |

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Emily Payne

Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.