Unfortunately all degrees are not created equal. In their article, College Cash 101, U.S. News & World Report states that, “Research shows that those who study math, sciences or career-related courses generally end up earning more than those who focus on the humanities.” It’s important that you ask yourself is the job you want worth the education you are pursuing. Associates, bachelors and master’s degrees still hold a great value if you do your research. Listed below are the top careers that have a starting salary of at least $50k.

While it’s impossible to be able to predict what the exact starting salary would be for each career, if you take a look at the median salary in the bottom tenth percentile for each of the careers, you will have a good idea of what you can expect. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary in the bottom tenth percentile for each of these careers around $50K with the overall average salary much higher. Take a look at these well-paying careers…

1. Marketing Manager – Are you creative, analytical and good with communication? If you are then you could have a successful career in marketing. The general duties of a marketing manager include analyzing market demand and trends, helping with product development and pricing strategies, and working with advertising to promote their products and services. Many marketing jobs require either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.
**Median Salary: $55,270
**Average Salary: $118,160

2. Financial Manager – If you are good with numbers and money, detail oriented and technologically savvy then a career in finance is waiting for you. Financial managers include treasures, controllers, credit managers and finance officers. Their responsibilities are to monitor the company’s investment activity, to help with cash management, to prepare financial reports and advise management of their findings. Finance positions require either a bachelor’s degree in finance, business or risk management or a master’s degree in finance, economics or business administration.
**Median Salary: $53,860
**Average Salary: $110,640

3. School Principal – Despite popular belief that teachers and school officials are as a whole underpaid, educational administrators do get paid well. Their job is to oversee day to day school operations, help establish curriculum, meet with parents and teachers, and direct the schools as it works toward their academic goals. For this job a master’s degree or doctorate in education is required.
**Median Salary: $55,580
**Average Salary: $86, 060

4. Computer Software Engineer – Computer software engineers design and develop computer software to help computers run more efficiently and perform more functions. Some engineers even meet with companies to determine their needs and goals, then design specific systems software to increase the capabilities of company computers to meet those needs. Experience is a must in this field and a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or any related field is required.
**Median: $57,810
**Average: $94,520

Although all of the careers listed above require education and experience, online career training and online schooling can be a very convenient choice. Many of the schools have multiple campus locations and offer the convenience of even taking class in the comfort of your own home. These programs are making earning these degrees easier than ever before. If you want to degree that pays for itself right away, consider getting career training for one of these jobs that pay $50K from the very beginning.