These are the highest-earning degrees at Sacramento State and UC Davis, searchable data shows

Thousands of local high schools students are applying to four-year colleges and considering which majors will be the most spiritually — and financially — rewarding.

Sacramento-area residents with bachelor’s degrees typically earn about 80% more than those with only a high school diploma — annual median earnings of $75,000 versus $41,000, census data show.

The most popular four-year colleges for local residents are the two largest in the region: Sacramento State and UC Davis.

The latest federal data shows broad disparities in earnings at those two colleges after graduation, depending on major. As expected, the highest-paid graduates tend to major in engineering, math, science or health fields.

The most lucrative major at either school is a bachelor’s degree in computer science from UC Davis. Median earnings four years after graduation from that program were about $129,000.

Close behind was a nursing degree from Sacramento State, with median earnings of $124,000 four years after graduation.

The data comes from the U.S. Department of Education. It is based on tax returns for graduates who received federal financial aid while in college. Some majors — particularly ones with few graduates — aren’t shown due to privacy restrictions.

Finally, college isn’t just about earning money, and there are plenty of happy social workers, teachers and artists who aren’t about to strike it rich.