10 Degree Subjects Most Likely to Make You a Billionaire

One of the biggest reasons people choose to go to university is to have better job prospects when they leave, and better job prospects mean earning more money.

However, a recent study by the Approved Index, which looked into the education of the world’s 100 richest people, had some surprising results… the majority of top billionaires didn’t study for a degree at all and of those that did, more than three times as many studied Arts as did Maths or Science.

But don’t let that put you off going to university. Statistically you’re still more likely to earn a higher salary with a degree than without one. Statistics also show that graduate unemployment is half that of non-graduates, so having a degree will give you a better chance of getting a job in the first place.

If you’ve got your heart set on becoming a majorly high earner – think millions or billions – then you should consider taking one of these 10 degree subjects.

Here are the education backgrounds of the world’s 100 richest people:

1. No degree (32)

Although this isn’t the route we would advise, it does show that hard work and entrepreneurial spirit will get you a long way in life.

2. Engineering (22)

When you consider all of the areas that you could go into after graduating with an Engineering degree, including logistics, operational management, patent law, and technical consulting, it’s unsurprising that it’s the most popular subject overall.

3. Business (12)

Business degrees give you a broad education in all aspects of business and usually involve time in the industry gaining experience and building valuable contacts. Not shocking really that business graduates then go on to become high earners.

4. Arts (9)

More of a surprise, but Arts degrees teach you to think creatively, which is key to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

5. Economics (8)

Another degree choice more traditionally associated with a high salary – Economics graduates go on to work in a variety of industries all of which are known for being well paid.

6. Finance (3)

Again, careers in finance and the financial services industry are known for having a high salary attached. Finance graduates also tend to be ambitious and more likely to start their own companies later in their careers.

7. Science (2)

Not an obvious degree subject for those who want to become high earners but with the right attitude, and further study after your undergraduate degree, your chances of gaining higher paid employment increase.

8. Mathematics (2)

Another less obvious degree subject for high earners, but you’ll learn many skills during your degree that can be used in any number of careers.

9. Law (9)

We all know top lawyers earn the big bucks, but a good working knowledge of the law and the other skills your degree will give you, can be useful in any career or when you’re starting your own company.

10. Other (8)

Any degree will give you a range of highly transferrable skills that will make you an attractive candidate to employers and when it comes to doing well in life and having a successful career, it’s often about your attitude rather than the specifics of your education.