Not all college degrees are created equal. Discover the 10 worst-paying college majors in 2025, why they offer low returns, and how to make smarter education choices.
When it comes to choosing a college major, passion matters—but so does paycheck potential. In today’s competitive and debt-heavy economy, students are being forced to weigh the return on investment (ROI) of their degrees more than ever before. And unfortunately, some degrees simply don’t pay off.
A recent economic analysis has revealed the 10 worst-paying college majors, and the results may surprise you. These majors consistently offer low starting salaries, limited job growth, and a poor income trajectory—even years after graduation.
In this article, we’ll break down:
The 10 lowest-paying majors in 2025 Why these majors tend to underperform financially How to follow your passion smartly Alternatives and tips to increase your earning potential—no matter your field Why Are Some College Majors a Bad Investment?
Not all college degrees guarantee strong job prospects or financial returns. Several factors can cause a major to underperform in the job market:
Oversaturated fields Lack of demand in the private sector Non-technical or non-specialized skill sets Requirement of advanced degrees to see returns Underpaid industries like the arts or human services
While these majors aren’t “bad” in themselves, they tend to lead to lower salaries and slower financial growth—especially for students who take on large student loans.
The 10 Worst-Paying College Majors in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 college majors that offer the lowest median salaries in the job market today, according to updated data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
1. Early Childhood Education Median Starting Salary: $36,000 Mid-Career Salary: $48,000 Job Outlook: Moderate growth, low pay
Why It’s Low-Paying: While the work is essential, preschool and elementary educators are often underfunded and undervalued in public and private sectors.
2. Social Work Median Starting Salary: $38,000 Mid-Career Salary: $51,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Social work demands high emotional labor, often requires a master’s degree, and still offers relatively low compensation, especially in government roles.
3. Performing Arts (Theater, Music, Dance) Median Starting Salary: $35,000 Mid-Career Salary: $50,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Jobs are extremely competitive, inconsistent, and often freelance. Full-time positions in the arts are rare and underpaid.
4. Culinary Arts Median Starting Salary: $34,000 Mid-Career Salary: $48,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Entry-level kitchen jobs offer low wages, and it takes years—and often entrepreneurship—to see meaningful income.
5. Religious Studies/Theology Median Starting Salary: $36,000 Mid-Career Salary: $49,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Career paths are limited to nonprofit, academic, or religious institutions with low funding.
6. Anthropology Median Starting Salary: $39,000 Mid-Career Salary: $53,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: The field is heavily academic, requiring further study to land decent-paying jobs. Private sector demand is low.
7. Psychology (Bachelor’s Only) Median Starting Salary: $38,000 Mid-Career Salary: $52,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Psychology is broad. Without a master’s or doctorate, most job options fall into general administration or case management roles.
8. Fine Arts Median Starting Salary: $35,000 Mid-Career Salary: $47,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Artists often rely on freelancing or underfunded programs, with few salaried positions.
9. Education (General) Median Starting Salary: $39,000 Mid-Career Salary: $54,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: Teachers play a vital role, but the sector remains underpaid and overburdened across most countries.
10. Hospitality and Tourism Median Starting Salary: $37,000 Mid-Career Salary: $50,000
Why It’s Low-Paying: High competition and low wage ceilings—especially in entry-level hotel, travel, or event roles.
Should You Avoid These Majors Completely?
Not necessarily. If you’re deeply passionate about a field, it’s still possible to succeed—but you’ll need to make strategic decisions along the way.
Here’s How: Double major or minor in a more technical or in-demand field Gain certifications in digital tools (e.g., graphic design, analytics, social media) Build a personal brand or freelance portfolio to increase income opportunities Pursue graduate school wisely—only if it leads to a concrete career path Focus on networking and internships, which are key in creative and human services industries Alternative Majors With Better ROI
If you’re looking for higher income potential, consider these more profitable majors:
Computer Science Nursing Engineering (all fields) Business Analytics Information Technology Finance Pharmacy Accounting
These degrees typically offer strong job security, higher median pay, and greater opportunities for advancement.
Final Thoughts: Follow Passion With Practicality
Choosing a major is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in your life. While passion is essential, students need to also think long-term. The key is to blend what you love with what pays—or find ways to support your passion through smarter career strategies.
A college degree doesn’t guarantee wealth—but with the right planning, it can still open doors to a fulfilling and financially stable future.
