Proper education and the experience of learning plays a very vital role in our lives. Education acts as a very important pillar to an overall better future. Going to college is an equally important step for everyone’s educational betterment. We all yearn for free college but that is rarely attainable. College is unthinkably expensive in various parts of the world. However, fortunately, there are some countries where the college bills are apparently paid by the taxpayers for students trying to acquire college degrees. Majority of these countries are located on the continent of Europe where the tax rate is higher. If free college is vital to you, you should consider one of the countries listed below:

1. Denmark

Denmark is said to be among the top countries offering free Colleges and Universities. Some of the top rated and best Colleges and Universities in Denmark are: the University of Copenhagen which ranked #82 in Times Higher Education World Ranking in 2015;  University which ranked #106; Technical University of Denmark ranked at #167; Aalborg University earned #201-250 rank; Copenhagen Business School also earned #201-250 rank and lastly, the University of Southern Denmark ranked between #301-350. Denmark is one of the best contenders offering free college with terrific Colleges and Universities.

2. Norway

Norway has terribly harsh winters and one of the most expensive costs of living. If you think yourself to be daring enough to battle these two factors, you might want to consider Norway. Tuition is absolutely zero at public universities which will provide you with the opportunity to attain your college degree from top-ranked institutions. Norway has a whopping number of 40 public higher education institutions. Some of the top-ranked institutions are: the University of Oslo, University of Bergen, NHH Norwegian School of Business, Nord University, UIT arctic University of Norway etc.

3. Finland

Public universities located in Finland are divided into two parts: Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. They are all free of tuition charges for students coming from EU/EEA countries. Until very recently, citizens, as well as international students, paid zero tuition fees at public universities. However, from 2017, students willing to earn degrees in English need to pay approximately $1500 or more depending on the level and type of degree. Doctoral, Finnish or Swedish degrees are still free of cost. The government also kindly offers scholarships and financial aid to international students with excellent educational backgrounds.

4. Germany

Germany offers free education for undergraduate as well as graduate students. Students from all over the world, belonging to any nationalities, can obtain free education here. The only mentionable charges are called “administrative fees” which is dedicated to student services and student welfare. The fee amounts to anywhere between 100-200 EUR. However, in light of new education policies, from the year 2017, students from non-EU/EEA countries will have to pay tuition fees to study in the Baden-Wurrtenberg region. Some tuition-free universities of Germany are: the University of Cologne, University of Mannheim, University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen University etc.

5. Estonia

Since 2012/2013, higher education is free of tuition fees in Estonia for students studying full time and in Estonian. Students from weaker financial backgrounds can apply for student allowances as well. The amount ranges from 75-220 EUR per month if they are studying full time and completing at least 75% of the curriculum. Students who started their full-time education before 2012/2013 are also qualified to apply for student allowances about 55.93 EUR per month. Some of the best Estonian institutions are: Tallinn University, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu etc.

6. Slovakia

Slovakia offers free higher education for students within the European Union. Otherwise, students might need to pay between USD 2500-6500 per academic year.  The main teaching language in Slovakia is still Slovak but recently, many institutions offer courses in English as well. If you do get a chance to study in Slovakia for free, you will not be guaranteed a place in the dormitory.  Living expenses will be yours to bear. Some of the best Slovakian institutions include: the University of Economics in Bratislava, the University of Technology in Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava etc.

7. Slovenia

Slovenia is among the countries where the education system is almost fully funded from the state budget and a tiny share is financed by the municipality. Students belonging to the European Union Member States can enroll in the universities in the same way as Slovenian students. For public higher education institutions, EU students need to pay tuition fees for part-time education but full-time education is absolutely free. The best university of Slovenia is the University of Ljubljana.

8. Sweden

Colleges and universities in Sweden are absolutely free. They do not charge any tuition fees at all. However, day to day expenses in Sweden are not free. Accommodation is not provided by Swedish education facilities. You have to pay a hefty sum as rent and for food. Costs of day to day life in Sweden is very expensive. In fact, Stockholm often ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Averages of 85% of Swedish students end up with debt. That is a very concerning percentage. Keeping these factors in mind, if you still want to opt for Sweden for higher education, some of the best institutions are: Lund University, Stockholm University and the University of Gothenburg.

9. Turkey

Turkey has almost 200 universities, most of which are state universities. Turkey offers almost free education to international students but students must sit for the International Student Exam and they have to provide outstanding academic qualifications and high ranks in TOEFL, IBT or IELTS results in English. Due to high standards of education, the entrance to top-level universities is very competitive. Most students are advised to visit Turkey beforehand to prepare for the special examination. Some of the oldest universities in Turkey are: Ankara University, Istanbul Universities, and Istanbul Technical University.

10. France

Previously, students needed to be able to speak French to be eligible to enroll in a university in France. Nowadays, many programs in both private and public universities are offered in English. Students attending public universities need to pay only a few hundred dollars annually, which is a negligible amount. Over the past few years, education policies in France have changed and some students need to pay tuition fees according to their family income. Top institutions in France are: Université de Strasbourg, Université de Lorraine, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 etc.

11. Austria

Education is free for students from EU/EEA Union. Absolutely zero admission and tuition fees. Students who aren’t from EU/EEA have to pay very nominal tuition fees which amounts to about 730 EUR. this amount is negligible compared to the cost of higher education in other countries worldwide. Austrian education facilities are funded by the state and hence offer free education for all. Thousands of students from all over the world visit Austria to get a great quality education in nominal prices. The best free universities are: Veinna university, University of Graz  University of Innsbruck, Anton Bruckner University, University of JOANNEUM, MCI Management Center Innsbruck, Medical University of Graz etc.

12. Czech Republic

Higher education is free for all in this lovely country irrespective of their nationalities. That is the law of the country. All you need to pay is the admission fees and additional course fees. However, you must know the local language of the country to acquire free education. But even if you want to study in English, the course fee is very nominal. The best universities are: Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague; Brno University of Technology, Palacky University, Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University, Silesian University in Opava etc.

13. Greece

Not only does this historically rich country offers nominal cost education, but it also offers low costs of living as well. Greece offers inexpensive higher education to all international students. It also offers a rich knowledge of history and a different culture altogether. EU students are required to pay zero tuition fees and non-EU students need to pay only about 1500 EUR per academic year as tuition fees. Some of the low tuition universities in Greece are: the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Patras, National Technical University of Athens, University of Crete, University of the Aegean, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Ioannina.

14. Spain

Like all other European countries, Spain also offers free higher education to EU/EEA students. However, it also offers very low-cost education to students outside EU. Day to day expenses in Spain is also relatively low. Public universities in the country of Spain are fully financially aided by the government or sponsors. Some of the cheapest universities are: the Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Valencia, University of Barcelona, University of Jaen etc.

15. Belgium

Although tuition isn’t completely free in Belgium, international students need to pay very minimal fees to study in this country. The minimal fee isn’t bothersome at all because you get to experience a beautiful culture and learn from it. Belgium has an outstanding quality of education and hence, many students from all over the world are interested to study here. Some of the cheapest universities in Belgium are: University of Antwerp, Hasselt University, KU Leuven, Liege University, Ghent University etc.

If you haven’t decided yet which major should you chose we will tell you which ones you shouldn’t if salary matters. We’ve collected the ultimate list of the lowest salary majors in the U.S., and you will be surprised of the results. Let’s start with the highest from the top 31 lowest ones:

31. Broadcast Communication – $68,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $68,000 per year. Students who take this major have the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in media platforms and traditional broadcast areas. It is a passion-based course, as most students who take the major already have the passion before venturing into it.

30. Zoology – $67,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $67,000 per year. Students who take these major studies animals with and without backbones like worms, birds, fishes and even mammals. Work fields for this major include Zoo, conservation centers, research labs.

29. Secondary English Teacher Education – $63,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $63,000 per year. Practicing this major also requires having a complete teacher training courses and merit teacher certification examinations. Students who take this major works mostly in secondary schools.

28. Behavioral Science – $56,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $56,000 per year. It is a very broad major that includes the study of human interactions and behavior. It is also a multi-disciplinary course that combines courses from social science, biology, and psychology.

27. Exercise Science – $54,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $54,000 per year. Students in this major learn about human movement through diverse studies in psychological, social and physical sciences. The graduate of this major work as master trainers in health and fitness centers.

26. Paralegal Studies – $54,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $54,000 per year. This course offers students the opportunity to work in law offices, governmental agency, and corporations. They are majorly delegated legal works that a lawyer is responsible for.

25. Horticulture – $53,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $53,000 per year. This major teaches students how to beautify an environment with the aid flowers. Growth and maintenance of ornamental trees are also learned in this major.

24. Animal Science – $52,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $52,000 per year. A major in this course involves the study of animal biology and physiology. Graduates of this major mostly work in farms and ranches.

23. Child Development and Psychology – $52,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $52,000 per year. This course exposes students to the mental and emotional needs of children. Becoming a licensed counselor or therapist in this major requires a masters degree.

22. Culinary Art – $51,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $51,000 per year. This course teaches students all that should be learned about cooking and baking. Jobs is this major is highly competitive and demanding.

21. Technical Theatre – $51,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $51,000 per year. Students are thought all that is needed in making a staged production. Area of a technicality in this major includes scenery lighting, costuming, properties and sound, all of which works in harmony in production to create mood, place and time period.

20. Graphics Design and Illustration – $50,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $50,000 per year. Students who study this major are trained to produce still drawings to be used in books, cards, newspapers, advertisements e.t.c. a degree in this major brings out the creativity in an individual.

19. Pastoral Ministry – $50,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $50,000 per year. It develops students to work in pastoral ministries or as a member of a church team. Basic roles of a pastor such as preaching, teaching, leading, pastoral care and church planting will be learned from this major.

18. Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies – $49,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $49,000 per year. This major involves a combination of different classes in physical education, sports science, and business administration. Graduates of this major often work in recreational facilities like parks, spa or hotel management.

17. Youth Ministry – $48,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $48,000 per year. The major prepares students how to minister Christian philosophy and values to young ones. Expertise and administration skills can be developed the more at the master’s level.

16. Therapeutic Recreation – $47,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $47,000 per year. Students who take this major are thought how to provide treatments to people with disabilities and illnesses during recreational activities. People with a degree in this major mostly works in recreation and fitness centers.

15. Human Development and Family Studies – $45,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $45,000 per year. The course teaches students how family and communities form. It is a very broad major that can further translate into different career choices like counseling, social work, program coordination amongst other related careers. Majority of students who studies this course choose to obtain a master’s degree for better pay.

14. Psychology – $42,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $42,000 per year. This major teaches students how to better understand human emotions and nature. Jobs in this field as a graduate are mental health counselor, sales associate, and case managers.

13. Sociology – $42,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $42,000 per year. The major teaches students the scientific study of the society and also the pattern of social relations. Students who study this major works as account managers, HR assistant, and administrative assistant.

12. Biology – $41,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $41,000 per year. This major exposes students to the study of life and living organisms. Students who study this course works as a paramedic, lab assistant, and tutor after graduation.

11. Family and Consumer Science – $41,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $41,000 per year. This major covers many parts of family life like the consumer behavior, nutrition and consuming behavior. Students who take this major works in government agencies, human or social science organizations and community centers.

10. Health and Medical Preparatory Programs – $40,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $40,000 per year. The course is mostly offered by vocational schools and community colleges. The course exposes students to the medical field but not enough of what it takes to be a doctor.

9. Drama and Theater Arts – $40,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $40,000 per year. These earnings are far less than what is being earned by actors and actresses in movies. Just a few percent of those who study this field hit it big financially.

8. Studio Arts – $40,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $40,000 per year. Earnings in this major don’t even increase even with a graduate degree. The major in this course mostly experience a 3% increase in income with a graduate degree.

7. Communication-Disorders Science and Services – $40,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $40,000 per year. Students who study this major mostly works with people with the physical disorder, speech impairments, and cognitive disorders. Patients who suffer from Asperger’s and Tourette’s syndrome are also their clients.

6. Visual and Performing Arts – $40,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $40,000 per year. This course is mostly studied out of passion, and not for the money. There are at least three majors in this.

5. Social Work – $39,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $39,000 per year. This course prepares students for the study of human behavior and interaction. Graduates of this major works in mental health and social work fields.

4. Human Services and Community Organizations – $38,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $38,000 per year. This jobs isn’t really about the pay, but more about giving back to the society. It takes passion and love to take up this course.

3. Theology and Religious Vocations – $38,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $38,000 per year. This course is more of religion. Students study the nature of God and his relationship with humans.

2. Early-Child Education – $36,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $36,000 per year. This major is has wide racial and gender margins. Early-child education is majorly dominated bb women.

1. Counseling and Psychology – $29,000 per year

This major earns a median earning of $29,000 per year. Majors in psychology earn less than other majors but have opportunities in the field. The unfortunate news about psychology is that the field has an unemployment rate of about 16%.

In an ideal world, we’d be completely satisfied with our jobs. It would pay us well to do what we love. But, that is often not the case with the world we live in. Rarely do we get paid well to do the jobs we love. Therefore, we are often coerced into opting for high paying jobs even though we may not be completely satisfied with the work. Without beating around the bush, let’s focus on the topic at hand. Here are 20 jobs that pay the most. The list is based on reports released by US News’ World Report.

20. Optometrist

Mean annual salary: $113,010

Optometrists are tasked with the difficult job of diagnosing and treating visual issues and eye conditions such as glaucoma. They also prescribe corrective lenses. In order to become a legal optometrist practitioner, one is required to have a bachelor’s degree and complete a four- year doctor of optometry program.

19. Business-operations manager

Mean annual salary: $117,200

What are they responsible for? Well, business-operations manager ensure the smooth functioning of a business. They are responsible for negotiating contracts, hiring new talents, making strategic decisions and leading effective teams. Business-operations manager operating in Bridgeport, Connecticut, New York City, and Trenton, New Jersey are reportedly paid higher than their contemporaries.

18. Pharmacist

Mean annual salary: $118,470

Pharmacists are pivotal in the healthcare industry and they are handsomely compensated for their expertise. Pharmacists fill prescriptions and educate patients on the potential side effects of their medications, teach them how to handle side effects, and monitor which prescriptions each patient is taking to prevent mixing incompatible drugs. On an average, pharmacists in the States make $118,470 annually.

17. Sales Manager

Mean Annual Salary: $126,040

Sales managers often work in stress filled environment as they regularly have to deal with targets. Often based on performance, the job requires one to establish client relationships and sales territory, develop training for new hires, work on team strategies, and basically get his/ her company’s product into customers’ hands. Most sales managers either hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration.

16. Financial manager

Mean Annual Salary: $130,230

Financial managers advise and control the checkbook of their companies. They are responsible for overseeing the cash flow of projects, producing profit projections and coordinating accounting practices. This job is very technical and requires one to be very good with numbers. The average financial manager in the States makes $130,230 on a yearly basis.

15. Lawyer

Mean Annual Salary: $133,470

Becoming a lawyer isn’t an easy task at all. There are different specializations of lawyers. While some work at a private firm, others hold a public position as a district attorney. But, one thing they all have in common is their ability to invest long, committed hours in the office. According to the report, lawyers in and around San Jose, San Francisco and Los Angeles ostensibly earn more than their counterparts in other states.

14. Information-technology manager

Mean Annual Salary: $136,280

IT managers collectively earn a mean annual salary of $136,280. They are responsible for coordinating technology issues with top executives and protecting their offices from hackers and malware. They also supervise software and hardware upgrades. In this contemporary world where technology becomes increasingly integral in every business operations, IT managers are highly sought after.

13. Marketing Manager

Mean Annual Salary: $136, 280

Marketing managers are tasked with various operations including hiring new talent, making strategic plans to design work. They are responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand. Marketing managers working in San Jose, San Francisco and New York City are paid relatively higher than marketing managers working in other cities.

12. Podiatrist

Mean Annual Salary: $137, 480

So, what do podiatrists do? Well, they specialize in feet and ankles. Basically, they treat conditions that range from ingrown toenails and bunions to fractures and sprains. In order to become a licensed podiatrist, one must complete a bachelor’s degree, must attend medical school, complete a three-year residency program and pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam. It takes a lot to become a podiatrist.

11. Prosthodontist

Mean Annual Salary: $142,830

Dental specialists who build oral prostheses that replace missing teeth are known as prosthodontists. They are responsible for the planning and restoration of implants, treatment of the temporomandibular joint disorder, and rehabilitation of occlusion. On an average, a prosthodontist makes around $142, 830 annually.

10. Nurse Anesthetist

Mean Annual Salary: $158,900

Nurse Anesthetists assist doctors in performing painful procedures by administering anesthesia through intravenous drugs or inhaled gasses. Only nurses that have a minimum of one year of critical-care experience and a master’s degree from an accredited nurse-anesthesia program are legally allowed to perform the tasks of a nurse anesthetist. On an average, this occupation pays one $158,900 annually.

9. Dentist

Mean Annual Salary: $166,810

Dentists are responsible for maintaining the health of patients’ mouths, gums and teeth. They perform tasks such as diagnosing oral diseases, filling cavities, and extraction of teeth. Dentists that practice their services in places such as Lafayette, Indiana, Brownsville, Texas, and Wausau, Wisconsin reportedly earn highly than other dentists.

8. Pediatrician

Mean Annual Salary: $175,400

Pediatricians are responsible for advocating the best course of care for the physical and mental well-being of children. Pediatricians specialize in oncology, hematology, developmental behavior and psychiatry etc. Since they look after the well-being of infants and adolescents, they are paid relatively well. A pediatrician in the States has an average annual salary of $175, 400.

7. Psychiatrist

Mean Annual Salary: $182,700

A psychiatrist tends to the patients’ mental health. Patients suffering from complicated conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety are often brought into a psychiatrist office for treatment. On an average, a psychiatrist makes $182,700 yearly.

6. Physician

Mean Annual Salary: $190,530

The term “physician” encompasses everything from primary care doctors to gynecologists to cardiologists to dermatologists. A physician is concerned with promoting, maintaining, and restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments. According to the study, most of the highest-paid physicians work in Florence, South Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, and Medford, Oregon.

5. Orthodontist

Mean Annual Salary: $201,030

Orthodontists are specialized dentists that fix irregular bites and realign crooked teeth. They mostly use braces, retainers and other appliances to help construct beautiful smiles. The US News & World Report in 2016 revealed that Orthodontists earn around $201,030 on an average annually.

4. Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Mean Annual Salary: $214,750

Obstetricians and gynecologists are tasked with the job of maintaining women’s reproductive health. Obstetricians are responsible for delivering babies and monitoring mothers-to-be during the course of pregnancy while gynecologists focus on diagnosing and treating HPV and STDs. Gynecologists also help patients suffering from abnormal bleeding and help manage contraceptives. The job helps them earn an annual average salary of $214, 750.

3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Mean Annual Salary: $219,600

These surgeons have to study an additional four years of surgical training after becoming dentists to perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. They are tasked with administering face-lifts and fixing cleft lips. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also diagnose cancer and administer anesthesia. On an average, they make $219,600 yearly.

2. Surgeon

Mean Annual Salary: $240,440

Surgeons have to undergo rigorous training to open up people’s bodies to correct injuries, diseases and deformities. In order to qualify as a surgeon, one must enroll in a surgical residency program which takes a minimum of five years after completing a bachelor’s degree and four years of medical school. Their services are highly valued and they earn an average salary of $240,440 annually.

1. Anesthesiologist

Mean Annual Salary: $246,320

Anesthesiologists administer drugs that allow surgeons to perform painful, invasive procedures without discomforting the patients. The job of an anesthesiologist is the highest paid in the world, period. Anesthesiologists earn a cool $246,320 annually on an average and the highest-paid anesthesiologists provide their expertise in Detroit, Michigan, Wichita, Kansas, and Worchester, Massachusetts.