Computer science/mathematics. Computer Science  Plenty of high-paying occupations may soon be going extinct, due to changes in technology, culture, policy and consumer preferences. The U.S. Education Department has released troves of data through a. that shows how much money students borrow and later earn, by college major, university, and even program. Put differently, the top-paying college majors (in STEM fields, health, and business) earn $3.4 million more than the lowest-paying majors over a lifetime. Only 12.78% of survey respondents regretted this major. That said, students should know what to expect if they major in biology without pursuing another degree or qualification afterwards. There’s so much to be said about STEM careers these days – and now engineering can add being one of the “least regretted majors” to its accolades. You can view the full results here. | Website by, These Are the Most Regretted College Majors (and the Least), 8 Bad Apps for Kids That You Don’t Want on Their Phones, SE Michigan SnowFreaks Forecasts Nail Snow Predictions. The survey involved more than 5,000 college graduates who were actively looking for a job — and the top fields for “regret” weren’t just about income. About 19.9 million students arrived on college campuses this fall. Economics/engineering majors out-earn sociology/English majors by more than 40%. Similar to health administration, studying health sciences reportedly has low job satisfaction, according to the 18.94% of survey respondents who regretted studying this in college. About 21 percent of humanities majors said they regretted their choice, making it the most commonly regretted. Of the 15.91% of survey respondents who did regret the major, the most common reason was that “the best jobs require advanced degrees.”. Still, 17.95% said the field has low job satisfaction. I started out as a Math major because, well, I was always good at high school math. Respondents were asked if they regretted their college major choice and if so, what was the “leading reason for regret.” Business was the second-least regretted major, according to the data . By and large, business majors tend to be happy with their choice. It’s hard to find a job without an advanced degree in addition to their bachelor’s, survey-takers said – which explains why 35% regretted this major. But it really depends on the individual. A ZipRecruiter surveyed 5,000 college grads and found their most regretted college majors. So when it came time to pick a field of study, it’s safe to say they probably gave it a fair amount of thought. Survey respondents said the field has low pay and job satisfaction, plus limited job opportunities. College degrees pay off for most students in the form of higher salaries and wealth, but they are not a guaranteed path to prosperity. Still, only 15.5% of … Social Science/Law (29%) 5. The Most (and Least) Worthwhile Degrees by Martin Armstrong, ... Emolument surveyed 1,800 UK graduates to reveal that the most regretted major is psychology. Choosing a great major starts with choosing the right college, after all. So if you can hack the homework, the major can put you at a distinct advantage in the labor market and provide access to a rapidly expanding array of highly paid jobs around the globe. PayScale shared data on the most regretted individual majors … You have entered an incorrect email address! More than one in five people with humanities majors — which includes English and history — say they wish they hadn’t chosen that area … With the benefit of hindsight, about 11% of all survey respondents who chose other majors now wish they had chosen computer science instead. College is an investment with a return of about 14% on average, according to research by the New York Federal Reserve Bank. For example, after the Great Recession, the likelihood of being underemployed, for graduates with more quantitatively oriented and occupation-specific majors than for those with degrees in general fields. Median annual earnings: $83k. Many said they did, but some majors fared better than others, and overall, humanities fared worse than the sciences. College is an investment with a return of about 14% on average, according to, by the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Overall index score: 82/100 Your privacy is our priority. Only 16% of respondents said they regretted the choice. All rights reserved. Rather than fixating on earnings alone, students should therefore consider earnings in addition to other measures, such as those captured by, In a digitized world, turning ideas into products and services increasingly requires computer science skills, but only. ZipRecruiter found that 27% of people who studied this field regretted it. The most regretted majors are in the humanities field. ZipRecruiter recently conducted a survey of more than 5,000 job seekers who are college graduates and found that computer science is the major least likely to be regretted later. in many business-related occupations are also far above average, so majoring in business increasingly looks like a solid investment. Rounding out the top 5 most regretted majors: 1. arrived on college campuses this fall. It also often requires getting a license of some sort. For many, decision time is looming–time to choose a college major and prepare for a career. Humanities majors report regretting their area of study at a much higher rate, 21 percent, than other majors. By Stacey Colino , Contributor Sept. 11, 2018 The median annual wage for college-educated healthcare practitioners (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and dental hygienists) was $66,440 in 2018, which was far higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy of $38,640. For many, decision time is looming–time to choose a college major and prepare for a career. However, … Most regrets: Humanities majors, who are least likely to earn higher pay post-graduation, were most likely to regret their college education. , due to changes in technology, culture, policy and consumer preferences. So if you can hack the homework, the major can put you at a distinct advantage in the labor market and provide access to a rapidly expanding array of highly paid jobs around the globe. Meanwhile, computer science and engineering majors had the lowest level of regret with just 4% and 8%, respectively, saying they regretted their major. English, communications, biological sciences and law were among the most regretted college majors, according to a recent survey. Should Your High School Graduate Consider Taking a Gap Year? Increasingly, there are many public resources that allow students to compare lifetime earnings trajectories across majors and degree types. Starting salary: $43,700 (Median for all majors: $45,400) Mid-career salary: $86,400 (Median for all majors: $78,300) Annual online job postings: 9,188 (Median for all majors: 103,151) … Below are the top-scoring college majors in the index, along with median annual earnings associated with them, based on wages or salaries advertised in the subset of jobs that list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement. Education (31%) 4. Visual Communication (average starting salary: $37,300) Only 29 percent of visual communication … Increasingly, there are many public resources that allow students to compare lifetime earnings trajectories across majors and degree types. The few who did said it was too stressful. It even grew 5% during the recession, while other parts of the economy were hemorrhaging jobs. Degrees may also change in value as the economy changes. Average earnings shouldn’t be the only consideration, however. Here's what you should know if your kid is considering one of these fields. It even grew 5% during the recession, while other parts of the economy were hemorrhaging jobs. Overall index score: 62/100 You probably guessed it: “too general.”. 2. Business “Too general” was the most common complaint about this major… Biology Majors: Physical = 9.0, Biological = 9.7, Verbal = 8.7 English majors had significantly better average scores than biology majors on every section, including the biological section. It ranks job skills based on (1) the number of jobs to which they provide access, (2) the geographic breadth of those job opportunities, (3) how quickly those opportunities are growing or declining, and (4) the average salaries advertised in recent job postings that require them. Your kids were asked this question, ad nauseum, for years: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. Well, according to a survey conducted by ZipRecruiter of 5,225 college graduates who were active on the site in 2019, those regretted college majors … She provides insights and analysis on current labor market trends and the future of work. A full 35% of biology majors in ZipRecruiter’s college graduate survey said they regretted their major choice, and the most common reason they provided is that it is difficult to find good jobs in the healthcare sector without further degrees, certifications or licenses. For more college advice for parents and students, check out Metro Parent’s Guide to College Planning. Managing Emotions in College: How Parents Can Help Students. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only 13% of computer … The Most-Regretted College Majors, According to ZipRecruiter’s College Grads Survey. Still, only 15.5% of survey-takers responding pursuing business in college. Average earnings shouldn’t be the only consideration, however. On the flip side, these are the least-regretted ones: ZipRecruiter, however, pointed out that it shouldn’t be all about the money, as degrees may shift in value as the economy changes. When you look at the degrees people regret the least, it makes a lot of sense when you see the starting annual salaries for people who majored in subjects pertaining to chemistry or … Only 13% of computer science/mathematics majors said they regretted their choice, compared with 42% of graduates who majored in English and foreign languages. One key takeaway: economics/engineering majors out-earn sociology/English majors by more than 40%, on average. Fewer than 10 percent of people who majored in health sciences, math, … In a digitized world, turning ideas into products and services increasingly requires computer science skills, but only 3.7% of college students are computer and information sciences majors. 2. © 2020 Zoe Communications Group, 22041 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220. English/Foreign Language (42% regret) 2. Plenty of high-paying occupations may soon be. Teaching the next generation sounds great in theory, but 31% regret the choice. Rather than fixating on earnings alone, students should therefore consider earnings in addition to other measures, such as those captured by ZipRecruiter’s Skills Index. Which college majors do college students regret studying? Sciences (35%) 3. Julia Pollak is a labor economist at ZipRecruiter. Computer science and engineering majors had the lowest response rates to … And while these majors do tend to have more job opportunities, a not-insignificant … Overall index score: 73/100 So which majors were most likely to cause student’s remorse, and which led to the most satisfaction? The least regretted college degrees and college majors, that's what this video is going to be about. The Least-Regretted College Majors, According to ZipRecruiter’s College Grads Survey, It is More Difficult to Evaluate College Majors Holistically. The financial crisis of 2008 may play a significant … Bachelor of Science in Nursing Only 12.78% of survey respondents regretted this major. Computer science/mathematics. The Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution has also produced, that allows students to compare lifetime earnings trajectories across majors and degree types. For example, after the Great Recession, the likelihood of being underemployed was lower for graduates with more quantitatively oriented and occupation-specific majors than for those with degrees in general fields. Some majors, such as education and social work, lead to relatively low-paying jobs that are satisfying for other reasons. College degrees pay off for most students in the form of higher salaries and wealth, but they are, Coronavirus Recovery Tracker – November 2020, Job Search Tips Every Military Veteran Should Know, How Four Big Election Day Ballot Measures Affect Jobs, COVID-19 and Jobs: How the States Compare, 5 Ways Businesses are Adapting to the Covid Economy, Industries With the Largest Job Gains and Losses Since Covid, College Students Don’t Have to Starve in Today’s Job Market, From Recruiting to Rebooting: 5 things to do when you’re not hiring, A Clash of Generations is Brewing in the Labor Market, New Collar Jobs and the Future of the American Dream. On the upside, students who focused on computer … Reasons included that the field is “impractical” and has limited job opportunities. … ZipRecruiter Survey – the most and least regretted college majors. 1. The Top Three Most Valuable College Degrees, According to the ZipRecruiter Skills Index. The Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution has also produced a web tool that allows students to compare lifetime earnings trajectories across majors and degree types. “Too general” was the most common complaint about this major. But it really depends on the individual. I regretted my choice of major…three or four different times throughout undergrad, a master’s, and now a PhD. Computer … Healthcare is projected to add more jobs between 2016 and 2026 than any other industry. The least regretted majors included computer science, business, engineering, and health administration. This post was originally published in 2019 and is updated regularly. The few who did said it was too stressful. Choosing the right college major can make all the difference. “Too general,” “impractical” and it’s too hard to find a job without further study. Learn more: ZipRecruiter, Inc. © All Rights Reserved Worldwide, The Most Regretted College Majors – and the Least. About 42% of survey respondents who had this major regretted their choice, ZipRecruiter found. Source: ZipRecruiter survey of 5,225 job seekers who were active on the platform in June 2019, and who self-identified as college graduates. Like the healthcare sector, the professional and business services sector is adding jobs at a rapid pace, and the share of all workers employed in the sector is at an all-time high. The least-regretted college majors, according to ZipRecruiter’s College Grads Survey Percentage who regret their choice of college major, and their leading reasons for regret. The ZipRecruiter Skills Index measures the value of different job skills on a scale from 0 to 100 and includes data on 1,466 skills from more than 30 million ZipRecruiter job postings in 2017 and 2018. On the upside, students who focused on computer … Economics/Business Management and Administration About 29% of survey-takers regretted signing up for this major. Here’s what the survey found. Put differently, the top-paying college majors (in STEM fields, health, and business). 8 College Majors With Great Job Prospects These disciplines can help you find the sweet spot between your passions and job security. Course and Major Choices Can Make or Break the College Experience. than the lowest-paying majors over a lifetime. Degrees may also change in value as the economy changes. Data released this week from the business data group PayScale, surveyed over 248,000 college graduates and asked them whether or not they regretted their major. 1. English, communications, biological sciences and law were among the most regretted college majors, according to a recent survey. Communications (27%) On the flip side the least regretted majors … Median annual earnings: $80k. Pre-Med. are computer and information sciences majors. Like the healthcare sector, the professional and business services sector is adding jobs at a rapid pace, and the share of all workers employed in the sector is at an all-time high. One key takeaway: economics/engineering majors out-earn sociology/English majors by more than 40%, on average. But as a 2019 survey by ZipRecruiter reveals the most-regretted college majors, it brings to light the importance of making the right choice. Wages in many business-related occupations are also far above average, so majoring in business increasingly looks like a solid investment. ZipRecruiter’s college graduate survey found that business is the second-least regretted college major, behind computer science and narrowly ahead of engineering. English majors also had higher scores than Chemistry majors … The U.S. Education Department has released troves of data through a browsable, interactive website that shows how much money students borrow and later earn, by college major, university, and even program. to add more jobs between 2016 and 2026 than any other industry. Being involved on the administrative side of health care was one of the five degrees that ZipRecruiter survey-takers regretted least. 70% of economics majors regretted their choice. Only 33 percent of … Why? And why might that be? 3. Their reasons? Sure, it involves at least four more years of schooling, but if you're even considering this as … The. ZipRecruiter recently conducted a survey of more than 5,000 job seekers who are college graduates and found that computer science is the major least likely to be regretted later. Median annual earnings: $55k. Call (877) 252-1062 (6am - 6pm PST) or Contact Us. “This generation, more than any other generation that came before it, is looking for work with purpose and meaning,” ZipRecruiter CEO Ian Siegel told CNBC in 2019. December 6, 2019 Choosing the “right” college, the “right” major, and the “right” career path are among the most important … Only 12.78% of survey respondents regretted this major. 5 least regretted majors 1. for college-educated healthcare practitioners (such as registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and dental hygienists) was $66,440 in 2018, which was far higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy of $38,640. The few who did said it was too... 2. Business. 5 least regretted majors. 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2020 least regretted majors