Choosing a college major is a huge decision. A report from the Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) at Georgetown University says that what you major in will have “critical economic consequences for the rest of your life.” While some fields have promising opportunities, others make it harder to earn back the money you invested in your education.
In this blog, we’ll break down the worst college majors for making money, explore other factors that can make a major “bad,” and share tips on how to succeed if you’ve already chosen one.
- 10 Worst Paying College Majors
- What Other Factors Make a Major “Bad”?
- How to Succeed with a “Worst” College Major
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
10 Worst Paying College Majors
A recent New York Federal Reserve analysis shows that graduates with majors in liberal arts, performing arts, and theology earn the lowest salaries within five years of graduating. If your passion truly lies in these fields and money isn’t your top priority, then it’s all good.
But if you want a solid job that will actually help you pay off all that student debt, you’ll need to choose wisely. Below are the 10 most worthless majors when it comes to making a fortune based on data from that same analysis.
1. Theology and religion
Early-career median wage: $42,000
Mid-career median wage: $60,000
If you feel a calling to dive into spiritual texts, just know that theology and religious studies are majors with limited job options. Most graduates in this field pursue careers in teaching or religious ministry, which, quite frankly, don’t pay very well. They’re often the only paths, and even those can be hard to land.
2. Performing arts
Early-career median wage: $41,900
Mid-career median wage: $70,000
Majoring in performing arts can land you a career in theater, acting, dance, or music. But the industry is tough! Jobs are competitive, and pay can be inconsistent. Even if you manage to eke out a performing career, you’ll likely face stretches of unemployment between gigs, which is why many theater grads work in offices or retail to make ends meet.
In addition, high-paying jobs in directing or production are sparse. These roles are limited and often depend on connections, luck, or freelance work.
3. Liberal arts
Early-career median wage: $45,000
Mid-career median wage: $70,000
Liberal arts tends to get a bad rap as the “dumbest degree,” but that’s not entirely fair. It helps you develop critical thinking and soft skills, which are exactly what a college education is supposed to give you.
The problem is, that’s about it. In a job market focused on STEM and technical skills, employers often prefer candidates with more technical or job-specific skills. Choosing liberal arts may limit your earning potential unless paired with another major or advanced degree.
4. Early childhood education
Early-career median wage: $42,000
Mid-career median wage: $49,000
Shaping young minds is rewarding, but the paycheck isn’t always great. A degree in early childhood education can lead to jobs in preschools, elementary schools, or community programs, but these roles usually pay less than other careers requiring a bachelor’s degree.
You’ll need to find other ways to build wealth—otherwise, your big reward might have to be the smile on kids’ faces as they learn their ABCs.
5. Social services
Early-career median wage: $42,000
Mid-career median wage: $54,000
You might find it meaningful to help others, but without further education, you won’t be helping yourself. An associate’s degree in social work won’t qualify you as a social worker, meaning you’ll need at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Plus, many states require a license. Unfortunately, even after all that schooling, the pay is usually modest.
6. Fine arts
Early-career median wage: $42,500
Mid-career median wage: $70,000
A fine arts major lets you explore creative fields like painting, sculpture, and drawing. While it offers opportunities for artistic growth, you might have trouble in the job market. And let’s face it: the “struggling artist” stereotype exists for a reason.
Some find success in related fields like interior design or animation, but that often requires more training.
7. Leisure and hospitality
Early-career median wage: $44,000
Mid-career median wage: $70,000
If you major in leisure and hospitality, you could work in hotel management, culinary arts, or tourism. Most jobs start in customer service, but with experience, you could move up to management and make better money.
It can be fun if you like working with people, but it’s not always easy. The hours can be long, you might have to work on weekends, and starting salaries aren’t usually great compared to other industries.
8. Animal and plant sciences
Early-career median wage: $43,000
Mid-career median wage: $70,000
Those majoring in animal sciences can become zookeepers or veterinarians with more schooling. Some who study plant sciences might find work in biotechnology, horticulture, or the academe. Both majors also open doors to research and lab work.
It’s rewarding if you love animals or being outdoors, but the pay tends to be lower—the real benefit comes from doing what you love.
9. Commercial art and graphic design
Early-career median wage: $48,000
Mid-career median wage: $75,000
A graphic design degree teaches you to create visual designs for clients in advertising, business, marketing, and other industries. But let’s be honest: have you ever heard of a graphic designer who’s a self-made millionaire?
You’d think graphic design would have a bright future since it’s tied to the growing tech industry, but the outlook isn’t great. Even with the rise of digital media, graphic design is like other arts majors. It might enrich your life, but not necessarily your bank account.
10. Nutrition sciences
Early-career median wage: $54,000
Mid-career median wage: $75,000
Dietitians and nutritionists help people lead healthier lives by planning and running nutrition programs. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, and government agencies.
To get started, you’ll usually need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, plus supervised training through an internship. Many states also require a license. However, even with all that effort, the pay is pretty abysmal.
What Other Factors Make a Major “Bad”?
Besides pay, there are other factors that can make a major less appealing. Job prospects (which we’ve touched on already), work-life balance, career growth, and job satisfaction all shape whether a degree feels worth it in the long run.
But before anything, let’s be clear: there’s really no such thing as a “bad major.“ You should study what you love, especially if you’re passionate about it. But for this blog, we’re defining the “worst” college majors as those that make it harder to find a job, earn a decent salary, or both.
There are plenty of reasons why some majors make it harder to land a well-paying job right after graduation. It’s important to research the majors you’re considering so you know what to expect.
Here are some common reasons why a major might end up on a “worst” majors list:
- Tough competition. Some industries are highly competitive, making it harder for new grads to break in.
- Low demand. If there’s not much demand for professionals with that major, salaries tend to be lower.
- More schooling required. A bachelor’s degree alone might not be enough; you may need a graduate degree to succeed in some fields.
- Public-sector focus. Jobs in specific fields are mostly in the public sector, which typically pays less than private-sector work.
That said, these majors can still lead to fulfilling careers. They’re just, on average, less financially rewarding.
How to Succeed with a “Worst” College Major
So, you’ve already picked your major, or maybe you’re halfway through college, and it happens to be on this list. That’s okay! You’re not doomed. There are many ways to succeed, even if your major is linked to lower pay, higher unemployment, or both.
Many students prioritize personal and academic interests over big paychecks, and that’s totally fine—as long as you’re informed and realistic about your career prospects.
If you’ve chosen one of the “worst“ majors (and you’re sticking with it), here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.
1. Research salary expectations.
If you have a specific career in mind, check out websites like PayScale or Salary.com to see the average earnings in that field. If you’re comfortable with those numbers (or not), this can help you decide whether to stick with your major or consider pivoting to a different path.
2. Connect with graduates in your major.
Find out what other grads from your major are doing. Are they working in the field or doing something completely different? Are they happy with their salaries? Was it tough to land a job?
Just remember, this is anecdotal evidence, so take it with a grain of salt! Your own job prospects can vary depending on your experience, location, and other factors.
3. Meet with a career counselor.
Your school’s career center is a great resource. A counselor can help you explore career options based on your major, skills, and interests. They might also have insights on job growth and salary potential.
Plus, they could connect you with alums working in your field, which is super helpful if you want advice from someone who’s actually doing the job you’re aiming for.
4. Create a career plan.
Having a clear career plan means asking yourself some key questions about your future:
- Do you want to stay in your field and find a job related to your major, or are you open to exploring other industries?
- Can you start building experience now with internships or entry-level work to improve your chances after graduation?
- Would grad school be worth it? Would a graduate degree make you more competitive in the job market?
Your answers might change over time, and that’s okay! Adjust your plan as you gain more experience and clarity about where you want your career to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most worthless degrees?
Degrees in theology, performing arts, liberal arts, and early childhood education are often called “worthless“ because they don’t pay well and have fewer job options. But with the right strategy and experience, you can still make a solid career out of them.
2. Can you still succeed with a “bad” degree?
Yes, definitely! Your major doesn’t decide your success. Getting experience, meeting the right people, and learning valuable skills can help you find a good job, even if your major doesn’t pay well or have lots of openings.
3. Why do people still choose low-paying majors?
Many students choose low-paying majors because they’re passionate about the subject or value the personal fulfillment it brings. Some also believe they can find creative ways to apply their degree or are willing to accept lower pay for work they enjoy.
Takeaways
- Your major can significantly impact your future salary, job security, and career growth, so it’s important to choose wisely.
- Some of the “worst” college majors, such as theology, performing arts, liberal arts, and early childhood education, tend to have lower salaries and fewer job opportunities.
- If you’re passionate about one of these fields, that’s okay! But be prepared to face a tougher job market and potentially lower pay.
- Understanding the risks tied to specific majors can help you make more informed decisions about your education and career path.
- If you’re unsure which major to choose, consider working with a private admissions consultant who can help you identify your strengths, goals, and the best career options for you.
