Harper Hall
College is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time. While the goal for many students is to pursue their passions, it’s also fair to expect a solid return on that investment—especially in today’s economy.
Unfortunately, not all degrees lead to lucrative job prospects, and some majors are notorious for resulting in low-paying careers with limited upward mobility.
If you’re trying to make smart decisions about your education and financial future, it’s important to know which degrees often fail to deliver high salaries. The following 12 college majors may be fulfilling in other ways, but they likely won’t make you rich anytime soon.
1. Culinary Arts
Working in a kitchen can be a dream for those who love food and creativity. But when it comes to earnings, this field is rarely generous. Most culinary graduates start out as line cooks or kitchen assistants, earning minimum wage or just above it.
Even those who work their way up to head chef or restaurant owner face tight profit margins, grueling hours, and high stress. Fine dining jobs are competitive, and success often depends more on experience than education.
Unless you reach celebrity chef status—which is rare—the financial rewards just don’t match the cost of culinary school tuition.
2. Music
Few careers are as unpredictable as those in the music industry. A music degree may enhance your skills and knowledge, but it does little to guarantee steady employment or financial success.
Most graduates find themselves working multiple part-time jobs, teaching lessons, or gigging on weekends to make ends meet. Full-time positions in orchestras, recording studios, or music production are extremely limited and highly competitive.
Unless you’re a breakout star or land a rare industry job, your paycheck will likely remain modest. The passion may be strong, but the paycheck usually isn’t.
3. Fine Arts
Graduates with a fine arts degree often face a tough road financially. While the creative freedom can be fulfilling, the lack of consistent income is a major drawback. Most artists rely on freelance gigs, commissions, or gallery sales, which are unpredictable at best.
The market for original artwork is limited, and exposure doesn’t always lead to profit. Even jobs in related fields like graphic design or teaching are competitive and not especially lucrative.
Without a clear and stable career path, it’s difficult to build financial security in this field—no matter how talented or dedicated you are.
4. Religious Studies / Theology
Studying religion can offer deep personal and philosophical insights, but the job market for this major is limited. Most graduates go into ministry, counseling, or academic roles, many of which pay modestly.
Positions in churches or nonprofit organizations typically offer low salaries, and tenure-track teaching jobs in theology are few and far between. There’s also little room for financial growth or promotion in many religious careers.
While this degree can be meaningful on a personal level, it doesn’t open the door to high-earning potential unless paired with additional, more marketable skills or degrees.
5. Performing Arts (Theater, Dance, etc.)
A degree in the performing arts can be exciting, but it’s often accompanied by financial instability. Very few graduates land well-paying roles in film, theater, or television. Most struggle with inconsistent work and low pay, often juggling several side jobs.
Even with immense talent, the entertainment industry is fiercely competitive and saturated with aspiring performers. Community theaters and smaller venues rarely offer livable wages.
Unless you achieve stardom or make it into a unionized role, your paycheck will likely stay lean. Passion may drive your career, but it won’t always pay the bills.
6. Education
Teaching is one of the most respected professions—but it’s not known for generous compensation. Despite the importance of educators in society, salaries often lag behind those of other professions requiring a college degree.
Early childhood and elementary teachers especially earn modest incomes, even after years of experience. Many are forced to take on second jobs or summer work to supplement their earnings.
Public school systems are often underfunded, and private schools tend to offer even lower pay. If financial gain is a top priority, this may not be the right path—even though it’s one of the most impactful.
7. Social Work
Helping people through difficult times is a noble calling, but it rarely comes with a high salary. Social workers are often overworked and underpaid, dealing with emotionally taxing situations and long hours.
Many positions require advanced degrees or certifications, yet even with additional education, the financial rewards are minimal. Case managers, crisis counselors, and child welfare workers typically earn well below the national average.
Job burnout is common due to the heavy emotional load and bureaucratic challenges. While the field provides purpose, it doesn’t provide a big paycheck—something worth considering before choosing this major.
8. Anthropology / Archaeology
Digging into human history can be fascinating, but it’s not the most profitable field. Jobs in anthropology and archaeology are limited, and most require graduate-level education just to enter the field.
Even then, roles are often tied to academia or nonprofit research, which offer low-to-mid salaries with few advancement opportunities. Fieldwork can be seasonal and grant-dependent, making consistent employment a challenge.
Private sector jobs are rare and don’t always align with the skills learned in college. For those who aren’t passionate enough to stick it out through years of study and uncertainty, the financial payoff just isn’t there.
9. Psychology (Bachelor’s only)
Understanding the human mind is intriguing, but a bachelor’s degree in psychology won’t take you far financially. Most high-paying roles in this field—like clinical psychologist or psychiatrist—require a master’s or doctorate.
Entry-level positions are often administrative or support-based, such as case managers or behavioral assistants. These roles tend to offer low pay and limited growth potential.
Without further education, job opportunities are broad but low-paying. For students not planning to pursue graduate school, the return on investment for this degree is minimal. It’s a foundational degree, but not a financially rewarding endpoint.
10. Communications
While versatile, a communications degree often leads to low-paying entry-level jobs. Roles in public relations, journalism, or media production are highly competitive and don’t always require a specialized degree.
Because the field is so broad, graduates may struggle to find a niche or land a job that pays well. Many start in roles that involve social media management or content writing, with salaries that barely crack $40,000.
Without strong networking and supplemental skills—like SEO, video editing, or data analytics—climbing the pay scale can be slow. It’s a degree that opens doors, but often only to modest paychecks.
11. Philosophy
Asking life’s big questions won’t help pay your bills. A philosophy degree sharpens critical thinking and writing skills, but it doesn’t lead directly to high-paying careers.
Most jobs for philosophy majors fall under education, writing, or research, which are often underpaid unless paired with a more marketable skill set. Law school is a common next step, but without it, job prospects remain limited.
The abstract nature of the subject means few employers seek it out specifically. While intellectually rich, the degree offers little financial return on its own.
12. Liberal Arts (General)
Broad and flexible, a liberal arts degree can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a well-rounded education, it often lacks the technical or vocational focus that many employers now prefer.
Graduates may struggle to find direction or settle for jobs unrelated to their studies. Entry-level roles in customer service, admin, or retail are common starting points—and they don’t pay much.
Unless paired with a more specific minor or graduate education, this major can leave students underprepared for today’s job market. It’s a catch-all degree that too often leads to underemployment and low wages.
Comments
Loading…