This list highlights academic disciplines that statistically correlate with lower median earnings among bachelor's degree holders. It provides insight into fields where graduates often pursue further education or entry-level roles with modest starting salaries compared to technical or business counterparts.
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Graduates often face a significant wage gap due to the societal undervaluation of care work. While essential, these roles typically offer starting salaries well below the national average for college-educated workers, with many requiring a master's degree for higher pay.
This broad field prepares students for non-profit and social work roles that are mission-driven rather than profit-driven. Median earnings are often low because funding relies heavily on grants and donations rather than competitive market rates for labor.
Despite requiring rigorous training and licensure, the median annual wage for social workers remains comparatively low. The emotional toll and high burnout rates in the field further correlate with slower wage growth and limited advancement opportunities in private practice.
A bachelor's degree in psychology rarely leads to high-paying clinical roles, which require doctoral degrees. Entry-level positions in research or human resources often offer modest compensation without the specialized expertise of graduate-trained professionals.
This major offers versatile skills but often lacks the technical specialization needed for high-tier corporate roles. Graduates frequently enter competitive media and advertising entry-level positions where starting salaries are suppressed by a surplus of candidates.
Similar to social work, professional counseling requires extensive supervised hours and licensure before commanding higher fees. Bachelor's level roles in mental health support are often low-paying and high-stress, with limited upward mobility without advanced degrees.
Most music graduates pursue freelance, gig-based careers with irregular income streams rather than stable salaried positions. The median earnings are low due to the high competition for performance and teaching roles, which often require additional entrepreneurship skills.
This broad category includes anthropology and sociology, which do not always lead to direct, high-paying career paths. Graduates often rely on transferable skills for roles in administration or education, which typically offer lower starting salaries than business or tech fields.
While teaching is a noble profession, the starting salaries for public school teachers in many districts are modest. Long-term earnings can stagnate compared to private sector roles with similar educational attainment, especially in states with limited education funding.
Degrees in studio art or theater often lead to gig-economy jobs with unpredictable income and lack of benefits. The high cost of training materials and portfolio development often delays financial stability for graduates entering the creative industry.
Despite strong analytical and writing skills, graduates often compete for entry-level editor or copywriter roles with low pay. Career advancement usually requires building a significant portfolio or transitioning into fields like marketing or technical writing.
This major develops critical thinking skills but does not teach specific vocational techniques for high-wage industries. Graduates often pivot to law, business, or nonprofit work, with entry-level salaries reflecting their lack of immediate industry-specific experience.
Careers in ministry or religious education are often supported by congregational funding rather than corporate wages. While some roles provide housing or stipends, the cash compensation is typically below the median for college-educated professionals.
Graduates often find roles in parks, camps, or hospitality management that offer seasonal work or modest hourly wages. The industry is heavily reliant on tips and seasonal fluctuations, leading to income instability for many early-career workers.
Entry-level designers often work long hours for minimal pay while building a client base and portfolio. Success in this field relies heavily on sales commissions and freelance networking, with many struggling to reach a stable median income initially.
The decline of traditional print media has drastically reduced job security and salary levels for new graduates. Many journalists now work as gig contributors with low per-article rates, facing intense competition for the few remaining staff positions.
Most political science graduates enter government or lobbying roles that start at modest civil service pay scales. High-level positions require significant experience or connections, and many bachelor's holders end up in campaign work with low, temporary wages.
Pursuing a career as a professional artist is highly uncertain, with most graduates supplementing income through teaching or unrelated jobs. The median earnings reflect the precarious nature of gallery sales and commission-based work in the visual arts.
Sociology majors often work in human resources or market research, roles that may not fully leverage their specialized training. Starting salaries are competitive but generally lower than business administration or data science degrees with similar analytical components.
Entry-level library technician roles are limited and often part-time or low-paid compared to professional librarian positions. Most high-paying roles require a master's degree, leaving bachelor's holders with fewer career advancement opportunities in information management.