According to a recent report by the American Association of Universities and employers (National Association of Colleges and Employers,NACE), the average starting salary for graduates of the class of 2020 was $55260, 2.5 per cent higher than the $53889 for the class of 2019 and 8.5 per cent higher than the $50944 for the class of 2018.
The NACE survey found that graduates majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics earn higher incomes on average. Sean van der Zil (Shawn VanDerziel), executive director of NACE, said: "in some cases, salary increases are likely to reflect the current special period. For example, during the new crown pandemic, the increased demand for front-line nurses may have led to a 2.1 per cent increase in the average starting salary of registered nursing majors, from $57416 for graduates of the class of 2019 to $58626 for the class of 2020. "
Andrea J. Koncz, research manager at NACE, explains: "Technology majors are usually the highest-paid majors because they are usually the most sought-after. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the greater demand for technology in the new 'virtual world' where we live and work, computer-related majors accounted for four of the top 10 high-paid majors of the class of 2020. "