The average difference between a high school and college graduate's wages is $1 million over a lifetime, it spirals up to $3.4 million between the lowest and the highest paying majors ( early childhood education  vs. petroleum engineering ).

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And graduate degree holders earn 28 percent more than those with just a bachelor's degree.

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• Bachelor's degree holders earn an annual salary of $61,000 over the course of their careers on average.

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• Graduate degree holders earn $78,000 annually on average.

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• Architecture and engineering majors pay the most of the broad major categories, while petroleum engineering pays the most of all majors. The healthcare specialties are also at the highest levels - i.e. doctors, dentist etc.

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• S.T.E.M. majors earn the most among entry-level college-educated workers, at $43,000 annually, while arts, humanities, and liberal arts majors earn $29,000 annually.

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• Business majors vary the most: from $43,000 annually at the 25th percentile to $48,000 annually at the 75th percentile.

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• Education majors' wages vary the least: from $35,000 annually at the 25th percentile to $59,000 annually at the 75th