by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find where general education graduates earn the most.
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Below are the schools whose general education graduates go on to earn the most.
For graduate earnings in general education, no school beat Southern Utah University this year. Southern Utah University is a public school located in the town of Cedar City. After graduating, general education degree recipients from Southern Utah University typically earn about $83,779 annually.
University Of Wyoming produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general education, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school located in the town of Laramie. Early-career general education graduates from University Of Wyoming make a median of around $69,139 per year.
Regis University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Denver, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from Regis University make a median of around $57,989 per year.
Westminster College Utah produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit institution. General Education graduates of Westminster College Utah earn a median of about $67,010 a year early in their careers.
Mesa State College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general education schools. Set in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa State College is a public institution. After graduating, general education degree recipients from Mesa State College typically earn about $55,652 annually.
Western State College Of Colorado earned the #6 position for general education graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Gunnison, Western State College Of Colorado is a public institution. General Education graduates of Western State College Of Colorado earn a median of about $54,853 a year early in their careers.
Metropolitan State College Of Denver earned the #7 position for general education graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. General Education graduates of Metropolitan State College Of Denver earn a median of about $55,078 a year early in their careers.
Colorado State University Pueblo came in at #8 for general education graduate earnings this year. Colorado State University Pueblo is a public school located in the city of Pueblo. Early-career general education graduates from Colorado State University Pueblo make a median of around $51,858 per year.
University Of Northern Colorado earned the #9 position for general education graduate earnings this year. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school located in the city of Greeley. Students who complete the general education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $51,932.
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #10 for general education graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Students who complete the general education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $46,637.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their general education graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 10 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.