Most Valuable College Majors for 2025

Underemployment happens when college graduates work in jobs that don’t require a degree, leaving them overqualified. It can be due to economic conditions, career stage, or major choice. Fields like criminal justice and arts have high underemployment because of limited degree-required jobs. Engineering, healthcare, and education majors have stronger career stability as they lead to specialized roles requiring a degree.

• Overview. Computer science is one of the fastest-growing and most versatile fields, that teaches students programming, software development, and data analysis. As technology evolves, professionals in this field are crucial in shaping industries from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence. The major emphasizes problem-solving, computational thinking, and innovation, so it’s a great fit for those who love working with complex systems and cutting-edge technology.

• Jobs you can get. A degree in computer science can lead to jobs as a cybersecurity specialist, data scientist, and web developer. Graduates can also pursue positions as network architects, systems analysts, and research scientists, using their programming and computational theory skills to excel in various industries.

• Median annual wage. $145,080.

• Growth rate. 26% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

• Popular universities. Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Cambridge.

• Overview. Computer engineering combines computer science and electrical engineering, that teaches students to design, build and optimize both hardware and software systems. This major develops skills in programming, digital system design, and circuit analysis, so graduates can work at the forefront of technological innovation.

• Jobs you can get. Graduates can work as front-end and back-end developers, hardware engineers, big data engineers, machine learning engineers, blockchain developers, and computer network architects, contributing to advancements in computing and digital infrastructure.

• Median annual wage. $138,080.

• Growth rate. 7% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

• Popular universities. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

• Overview. Electrical engineering focuses on designing, developing, and improving electrical equipment, from power systems to robotics. Students gain skills in circuit theory, digital systems, and automation, so they can work in various high-tech industries.

• Jobs you can get. Graduates can work as aerospace engineers, electronics engineers, and associate electrical engineers. They can also pursue careers in industrial automation, communications, and product testing, contributing to modern technology.

• Median annual wage. $106,950.

• Growth rate. 9% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

• Popular universities. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB).

• Overview. Biomedical engineering combines engineering and biological sciences to develop medical devices, prosthetics, and healthcare technologies. Students learn to design innovative solutions that improve patient care, so this field is essential as medical technology advances.

• Jobs you can get. Graduates can work as bioengineering associates, biomedical engineering managers, and medical device developers. They also find opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research, contributing to healthcare innovation.

• Median annual wage. $100,730.

• Growth rate. 7% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

• Popular universities. Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California, San Diego.

• Overview. Marine engineering focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of marine operating systems, including ships, submarines, and offshore structures. Students study physics, mechanical engineering, and differential equations to develop the technical skills for this specialism.

• Jobs you can get. Graduates can work as naval architects, marine mechanics, and naval engineering consultants. They play key roles in shipbuilding, offshore energy projects, and maritime transportation industries.

• Median annual wage. $100,270.

• Growth rate. 8% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

• Popular universities. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Texas A&M University - College Station, University of Washington - Seattle, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and Stanford University.

• Studio arts. This major is about creative expression through painting, sculpture, and other visual mediums. However, low salaries and limited job opportunities make it one of the least financially rewarding fields. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,000, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and 28.1% go on to pursue advanced degrees.

• Drama and theater arts. Students in this major develop performance and production skills for stage and screen. While the field offers artistic fulfillment, job stability is uncertain and competition is fierce. The median salary is $44,000, with a 4.9% unemployment rate, and 29% of graduates seek advanced education.

• Visual and performing arts. This broad major covers disciplines like music, dance and graphic design. While creative industries value these skills, limited high-paying opportunities contribute to a median salary of $40,000 and a 3.8% unemployment rate, with 28.7% of graduates earning advanced degrees.

• Film, video, and photographic arts. This major prepares students for careers in media production, but the industry’s unpredictability means financial instability. The median salary is $46,000, with a 5.5% unemployment rate, and only 13.8% of graduates go on to further education.

• Miscellaneous fine arts. This major covers various artistic disciplines and allows students to explore different creative paths. However, low earnings and a competitive job market mean a median salary of $45,000, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and 15% of graduates going on to further education.

Almost 40% of graduates work in jobs that don’t require their degree, so choosing the right major is crucial. Many students invest years and thousands of dollars in education, only to face underemployment and financial strain. With college costs averaging $35,000 per year and many taking longer than four years to graduate, the return on investment is uncertain. As a result, skepticism is growing, with fewer than one-third of adults believing a degree is worth the cost. This is even more pronounced among Gen Z, with two-thirds questioning whether a college degree is necessary for success.

While college is an option, it’s no longer the only or best fit for everyone. As skills-based hiring takes hold, more students are exploring alternative routes like trade schools, military service, and specialized industry training. These paths can lead to rewarding careers without the high cost and time commitment of a traditional degree. Overcoming the stigma around non-college paths is key, so all students get the same encouragement whether they choose university or hands-on career training.