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While a college degree can boost earning potential, not all majors lead to high salaries early in a career. Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlights fields where median earnings for early-career graduates tend to be relatively low compared with the broader job market.
Foreign Language Majors
According to recent earnings data, graduates with degrees in foreign languages have among the lowest median salaries among early-career workers, with figures around $40,000. Many of these majors pursue careers in education, translation, or public service, where compensation tends to be modest compared with technical or business fields.
General Social Sciences
Students who major in general social sciences often develop broad analytical and communication skills, but early career salaries tend to be near the lower end of the income scale, with median earnings around $41,000. These majors can lead to careers in research, community work, and education.
Performing Arts Majors
Graduates with a performing arts degree often express creativity through theater, music, or dance, but median annual earnings early in their careers tend to be near $41,900. Many enter competitive fields where income can be inconsistent or supplemented by other work.
Anthropology and Related Fields
Anthropology majors, who study cultures and human behavior, have early-career median salaries near $42,000. While the subject offers rich insights into human societies, the earnings data suggest these roles base early pay on sectors with more modest compensation.
Early Childhood Education
Degrees in early childhood education are vital for developing young learners, but median salaries for graduates within five years of graduation remain around $42,000. Education roles often offer long-term stability but may start with lower early-career pay.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Majors in family and consumer sciences focus on life management and community services, yet median early-career earnings also fall around $42,000. These programs often prepare students for work in social services or community education.
Social Services and Theology
Social services and theology majors often enter fields centered on public service, community support, or religious work, where median early earnings commonly cluster near $42,000. Graduates may pursue shared goals of service despite modest early salary figures.
General and Miscellaneous Education Fields
Degrees such as general education and miscellaneous biological sciences also appear among the lower-earning majors, with median early salaries around $42,000. While these majors can lead to rewarding work in classrooms or science outreach, entry-level compensation tends to be modest.
What the Data Suggests for Students
Majors with lower median earnings don’t necessarily lack value, but they often lead to early careers with more modest salaries compared with technical or business-oriented fields. Experts suggest that students consider both their interests and potential long-term earnings when choosing a field of study, and that additional training or certifications may help boost career prospects.