Careers by College Major
Choosing a college major is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) decision. As with all big decisions in life, you should take some time to gather the information you need to make an educated decision, and think about how your decision could impact your future.
Some college majors (like engineering and accounting) prepare students for a career in a specific type of occupation, but most don’t. And while it’s important to consider the career options your major will provide you, always remember this: employers hire people, not degrees. As important as your decision might feel as you’re making it, the truth is that there are incredibly successful and happy people who come from all academic backgrounds. The most direct path to leading a happy and fulfilling life is to follow your passions.
Explore Majors
Below is some information that will help you make an informed decision about your college major. Select a major to learn about the career opportunities available to graduates from that major.
| Major | Unemployment Rate | 25th % Earnings | Median Earnings | 75th % Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 5.4% | $41,000 | $61,000 | $94,000 |
| Anthropology / Archaeology | 6.9% | $30,000 | $40,000 | $60,000 |
| Architecture | 10.6% | $37,000 | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Art | 4.2% | $32,000 | $41,000 | $51,000 |
| Astronomy | 0.0% | $56,000 | $62,000 | $101,000 |
| Biology | 5.6% | $35,000 | $51,000 | $76,000 |
| Business | 5.3% | $38,000 | $59,000 | $91,000 |
| Chemistry | 5.1% | $39,000 | $59,000 | $85,000 |
| Communications | 6.3% | $35,000 | $50,000 | $81,000 |
| Computer Science | 5.6% | $50,000 | $77,000 | $102,000 |
| Economics | 6.3% | $42,000 | $69,000 | $108,000 |
| Education | 4.2% | $31,000 | $41,000 | $53,000 |
| Engineering | 5.9% | $47,000 | $73,000 | $101,000 |
| English | 6.7% | $32,000 | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Foreign Language | 5.9% | $32,000 | $48,000 | $67,000 |
| Geography | 6.1% | $40,000 | $54,000 | $81,000 |
| History | 6.5% | $34,000 | $50,000 | $81,000 |
| Journalism | 7.0% | $34,000 | $50,000 | $79,000 |
| Marketing | 5.9% | $40,000 | $59,000 | $90,000 |
| Math | 5.0% | $42,000 | $63,000 | $95,000 |
| Music | 5.2% | $30,000 | $45,000 | $67,000 |
| Nursing | 2.2% | $48,000 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
| Philosophy / Religion | 7.2% | $30,000 | $42,000 | $65,000 |
| Physical Education | 4.5% | $34,000 | $46,000 | $59,000 |
| Physics | 4.5% | $39,000 | $68,000 | $101,000 |
| Psychology | 6.1% | $30,000 | $43,000 | $65,000 |
| Sociology | 7.0% | $33,000 | $45,000 | $67,000 |
