<p>I'm currently a freshman in mechanical engineering at Ohio State University. I love it and know that it's my passion, but lately I'm being cautioned about my major. I have been told that advancement is basically non-existent, and earning more than $130,000 is basically not an option. I'm in a pickle because the salary I'm shooting for (later on in life, not right out of college) is ~$175,000. My dad wishes for me to go into hedge funds or investment banking, but I simply couldn't bring myself to put in the hours. I also considered starting a business but I assume vacation time would be virtually nullified. What should I do? Is there a way with mechanical engineering that I could work up to my desired salary, such as management?</p>
<p>You should strive for a good one.</p>
<p>I am very confused as to where those numbers are coming from. There is always upward movement, you just have to know where to look and how to get it. The salary is possible, but it depends on your ability to succeed in school and the real world. Starting salary’s for out-of-school ME’s is about $60-70K, depending on the school. Of course, if you are a CEO you can make more. </p>
<p>This might help you, although the schools might be skewed due to type of school and selection of majors;
[Only</a> 150 of 3500 U.S. Colleges Are Worth the Investment: Former Secretary of Education | Daily Ticker - Yahoo Finance](<a href=“http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/only-150-3500-u-colleges-worth-investment-former-132020890.html]Only”>Only 150 of 3500 U.S. Colleges Are Worth the Investment: Former Secretary of Education)</p>
<p>The problem with raw salary figures is that they just don’t tell the whole story.</p>
<p>If you want the “highest salary”, then by all means, pick the most expensive place to live. You’ll have a very high salary, but you’ll probably live like a poor man. </p>
<p>You have to ask yourself where you want your career to go, where do you want to work, what do you need to set yourself up for success, etc. and after all of that has been answered, ask yourself, “What type of lifestyle can I afford?” You’re thinking about it backwards. But don’t get me wrong, I have done what you are doing when I was your age.</p>