With the rising cost of college education in the U.S.—averaging around $38,000 per year including tuition, living costs, and supplies—many students and parents are rethinking the value of a college degree.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the return on investment largely depends on the field of study, with some college majors offering significantly lower earnings and higher unemployment rates after graduation.
Majors With the Lowest Starting Salaries
A recent update from the Federal Reserve Bank’s database highlights the majors with the lowest early-career earnings. Topping the list are:
- Foreign Language Majors, with a median early-career salary of $40,000
- General Social Sciences, earning $41,000
- Performing Arts, with $41,900
- Anthropology, at $42,000, also shows the highest unemployment rate of 9.4%
These fields may also come with high underemployment rates, where graduates are working in roles that don’t require a college degree.
Education Majors: Low Wages Persist Over Time
While many majors offer opportunities for wage growth, degrees in education present a different challenge. Those who studied early childhood education, elementary education, special education, and similar subjects not only start with low salaries (around $42,000), but their mid-career earnings often remain modest, maxing out around $49,000–$55,000.
Unemployment and Underemployment Rates by Major
Beyond salaries, some majors show elevated unemployment and underemployment rates. For instance:
- Anthropology: 9.4% unemployment, 55.9% underemployment
- Performing Arts: 62.3% underemployment
- General Social Sciences: 54.1% underemployment
These statistics suggest that job market challenges are more significant in these fields, particularly for those without a graduate degree.
Summary Table: Low-Paying Majors
| Major | Unemployment Rate | Underemployment Rate | Early-Career Wage | Mid-Career Wage | Grad Degree Holders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language | 4.0% | 51.1% | $40,000 | $70,000 | 50.5% |
| General Social Sciences | 3.3% | 54.1% | $41,000 | $75,000 | 40.3% |
| Performing Arts | 2.7% | 62.3% | $41,900 | $70,000 | 37.3% |
| Anthropology | 9.4% | 55.9% | $42,000 | $70,000 | 46.7% |
| Early Childhood Education | 1.3% | 22.1% | $42,000 | $49,000 | 43.1% |
| General Education | 3.3% | 22.8% | $42,000 | $55,000 | 52.0% |
Student Debt and Financial Struggles
These lower-paying degrees can be particularly problematic for graduates dealing with student loan debt. As of early 2025, nearly 25% of borrowers were more than 90 days behind on loan payments, per the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The restart of student loan collections has added pressure to millions, sometimes resulting in credit score penalties.
Which Majors Pay the Most?
In contrast to education and the arts, degrees in STEM fields—such as engineering, computer science, physics, finance, and mathematics—tend to offer the highest early- and mid-career salaries, making them a more lucrative investment for many students.
When choosing a college major, it’s crucial to consider more than just passion—you must weigh the potential financial outcomes. Fields like foreign languages, education, and performing arts often lead to lower salaries and higher unemployment compared to majors in STEM or business.
While personal interest is important, students and families should be aware of the long-term economic impact of their degree choice, especially given the burden of student loans.