Most college graduates report that the number one reason that they went to college was for the opportunity to make more money over the course of their careers, starting with a high salary entry level job. Unfortunately, many college graduates are surprised to find that when they graduate their first, entry-level jobs, are not as financially fulfilling as they had imagined. Before choosing a degree program it is a good idea to look into the job prospects and salary potential for the careers being considered. Finding the right career is a balance between taking classes in a major that a student feels passionate about, and looking pragmatically at the job prospects available in that field. The following are some fields that offer high salary entry level jobs for new college grads, according to salary estimates from Careerbuilder.com:

1. Dental Hygiene: This is a field that has great growth and an excellent entry-level salary with only an associate's degree required to gain a job. This is not a job for everyone, a dental hygienist is the person who assists a dentist in cleaning teeth and gums. Anyone interested in this field should be a "people person" who is comfortable educating patients on proper tooth and gum care. This is a high salary entry level job with an average starting salary in the $60,000 range.

2. Actuarial Field: Most people have never heard of this very stable and lucrative career field. An actuary is a person who works for an insurance company as a predictor of future events and risk. This is a career for people who enjoy solving problems and taking on intellectual challenges. To be an actuary, it is generally necessary to have a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, business or math. An entry level actuary can expect to make around $48,000 a year, with a salary that will advance quickly to the $80-90,000 range.

3. Computer Engineering Graduates with a four year degree in computer science can find a high salary entry level job in the field of computer hardware engineering. Computer engineers work designing, building and installing computer systems for companies and individuals. A new computer engineer would likely start with a salary in the $56,000 range.

4.Network Systems Analysts Another growing job in the computer field is network system analyst. System analysts work with companies to design entire networks of technology to help meet the company's data needs. Most systems analysts can expect to make around $40,000 with a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Best of lucks in deciding the course of your career!