How large is the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities?

Georgetown CEW data shows STEM graduates earn a median $3.1M over their career vs $2.4M for humanities graduates — a $700,000 gap. However, humanities graduates who attend law, medical, or business school close most of this gap.

Do humanities graduates have better job satisfaction?

NACE surveys consistently show higher job satisfaction among arts and humanities graduates who find roles aligned with their degree. However, financial stress from debt relative to earnings is also higher in this group.

STEM vs Humanities Lifetime Earnings Gap Calculator

Formula Definitions

The STEM vs Humanities Lifetime Earnings Gap Calculator works by applying a well-defined formula to the values you enter. Understanding the formula behind the calculation helps you interpret the result and check that your inputs are correct. Below we break down the key components that drive the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap.

The core formula used by this calculator is:

Result = f(inputs, settings)

Each variable in the formula has a specific meaning:

inputs — Values entered into the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap.
settings — Options, units, or parameters that adjust how the calculation is performed.
Result — Computed output for the chosen inputs and settings.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the required values. Enter the required values into the STEM vs Humanities Lifetime Earnings Gap Calculator input fields.
Adjust settings. Adjust any settings, select applicable options, or choose units as needed.
Calculate the result. Press Calculate to compute the result using the underlying formula.
Interpret the output. Review and interpret your result using the provided context, reference ranges, or explanatory notes.

Glossary and Definitions

Input: A value entered into the calculator to be processed.
Output: The computed result returned by the calculator for the given inputs.
Setting: An option that adjusts how the calculation is performed, such as unit selection or mode.
STEM vs humanities earnings: A key concept referenced by the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap: Model the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities degree holders across multiple scenarios, including graduate school, satisfaction, and mid-career switching premiums.
STEM salary advantage: A key concept referenced by the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap: Model the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities degree holders across multiple scenarios, including graduate school, satisfaction, and mid-career switching premiums.
Humanities degree earnings: A key concept referenced by the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap: Model the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities degree holders across multiple scenarios, including graduate school, satisfaction, and mid-career switching premiums.
STEM vs liberal arts salary: A key concept referenced by the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap: Model the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities degree holders across multiple scenarios, including graduate school, satisfaction, and mid-career switching premiums.
College major earnings gap: A key concept referenced by the STEM vs Humanities Earnings Gap: Model the lifetime earnings gap between STEM and humanities degree holders across multiple scenarios, including graduate school, satisfaction, and mid-career switching premiums.

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