Top 7 College Majors with Graduates Struggling to Reach $50,000 Salaries
Earning a college degree is often seen as a pathway to a successful career. However, choosing the right college majors is crucial, as certain fields may yield lower incomes upon graduation.
The HEA Group, a research and consultancy agency focused on higher education, recently analyzed data on various college majors, revealing that seven out of the ten most popular fields of study resulted in average annual incomes below $50,000 for graduates.
While monetary considerations are important, many of these majors offer non-monetary rewards that extend beyond financial gains. Nevertheless, if a substantial salary is a priority, it's advisable to be cautious about selecting one of the following seven college majors that may lead to annual earnings struggling to reach $50,000:
Communications and Media Studies
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $48,829
- Career paths include roles as reporters, editors, or media analysts, requiring strong writing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
Biology (General)
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $48,628
- While a general biology degree may not guarantee a high-paying career, it can serve as a stepping stone to advanced education and more lucrative professions like physician or engineer.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $47,089
- Graduates may work in various modestly paying roles related to courts, policing, and corrections, such as court reporter, parole officer, or criminal justice educator.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $46,820
- Students in this major focus on enhancing physical fitness and athletic skills, with potential career paths including coaching, training, or teaching.
Liberal Arts and Sciences (General Studies and Humanities)
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $44,201
- A broad education in liberal arts and sciences encourages critical thinking, but some students may fare better with a more specialized education in a lucrative field.
Psychology (General)
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $43,409
- While psychology majors can earn well, many may need advanced education for higher salaries or find success in unrelated fields such as marketing or human resources.
Teacher Education and Professional Development (Specific Levels and Methods)
- Average earnings four years after graduation: $41,598
- Pursuing a degree in this field is unlikely to lead to substantial wealth due to the relatively modest pay for teachers, but the rewards extend beyond financial considerations.
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