When starting college and choosing a major, it’s important to know which college degrees will make you the most money. Since last year’s quarantine, many students have been experiencing burnout and additional stress. For this reason, it is crucial to know which majors will pay off in the long run. The most recent Bankrate study compiled a list of lucrative college majors and the majors with low income and high unemployment rates. In this study, the average median income for bachelor’s degree holders was $55,000. The unemployment rate was 2.8 percent. See how they rank below.
The 5 most valuable college majors
1. Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Median income: $90,000
Unemployment rate: 1.6%
2. Nuclear Engineering
Median income: $98,100
Unemployment rate: 1.8%
3. Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences & Administration
Median income: $100,000
Unemployment rate: 2.2%
4. Genetics
Median income: $85,000
Unemployment rate: 1.2%
5. Electrical Engineering
Median income: $99,000
Unemployment rate: 2.7%
The 5 least valuable college majors
1. Drama & Theater Arts
Median income: $35,000
Unemployment rate: 5.2%
2. Visual & Performing Arts
Median Income: $32,000
Unemployment rate: 4.1%
3. Composition Studies
Median income: $37,800
Unemployment rate: 4.4%
4. Linguistics & Comparative/Language & Literature
Median income: $40,000
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
5. Fine Arts
Median income: $37,000
Unemployment rate: 4.8%
Our Take
Science and engineering continue to be ideal subjects to study. While these majors might not be for everyone, they’re great options to consider. Students are left with a lot of debt after college, and these jobs can help pay it off faster.
The least cost-effective majors are, unfortunately, the ones in the arts. But, many of these students are aware of the “starving artist” trope. College is about studying subjects that pique your interest. If the arts happen to be your passion, you should go for it! On the other hand, students should consider these numbers when picking their careers.
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Rebecca
April 22, 2021 at 1:02 pm
This would be solved it we value both the creativity that the arts bring to STEM industries and the intrinsic value of the arts to society. The arts are essential to many industries and are a billion dollar economic generator in the US.