25 College Degrees With the Lowest Return on Investment

Not all college degrees are equally marketable in today’s workforce. The career prospects from different majors vary wildly, even though they may cost the same from the same university. Let’s take a closer look at the college degrees that may not be worth the effort and investment.

Philosophy

Philosophy encourages critical thinking, but its practical application in the job market is often questioned. Graduates may find it challenging to secure employment directly related to their degree with many ending up in fields unrelated to their major.

Anthropology

Anthropology provides deep insights into human cultures and societies, but it offers limited direct career paths outside of academia. Jobs in this field are highly competitive and typically require advanced degrees. Graduates often work in education, research, or public service.

Art History

Studying art history instills an appreciation for aesthetics and cultural development; however, job opportunities in art galleries, museums, and academia are scarce and highly sought after. This field often demands additional education or significant networking to break into.

Music

Pursuing a degree in music can be fulfilling for those passionate about the art, yet making a stable career out of music is notoriously difficult. Without a clear path to steady employment, many musicians must supplement their income with teaching or unrelated jobs.

Religious Studies

Religious studies offer a profound understanding of global faiths and beliefs, yet direct job opportunities in this field are minimal. Graduates often pursue roles in education, non-profit, or clerical organizations. The degree also serves as a foundation for those considering seminary.

Fine Arts

Fine arts degrees often lack practical application in the job market. Artists typically face unstable job prospects and fluctuating income, relying on commissions and sporadic sales. Many need to find alternate employment to support their artistic career.

Communications

A degree in communications is versatile but can be considered less specialized compared to more technical or business-oriented fields. The broad nature of the degree means competition is fierce, and positions tend to be in lower-paying sectors like media or public relations.

Theater Arts

Theater arts provide limited and highly competitive job opportunities. Many actors and theater professionals juggle multiple part-time jobs and face long periods of unemployment. Success in this field often depends more on networking and luck than on formal education.

Gender Studies

Gender studies are academically significant and foster an important social understanding, but they do not directly translate into a clear career path. Jobs in advocacy, social work, or academia are common routes but often require additional qualifications.

Liberal Arts

Liberal arts degrees offer a broad education, which can be a double-edged sword in a job market that increasingly values specialization. Graduates often need further education or specific vocational training to find gainful employment.

Archeology

Most archeologists are employed in temporary or seasonal research roles, and permanent positions are rare. A passion for fieldwork and further academic study is essential for those pursuing this path.

Culinary Arts

While a degree in culinary arts provides specialized training in food preparation, most chefs gain their skills through hands-on experience at lower costs. Culinary school can be expensive, and the high-pressure, low-wage nature of kitchen work can make the return on investment low.

Creative Writing

Creative writing degrees help refine craft and foster creativity but rarely lead directly to career opportunities. Writers often struggle with the sporadic nature of book sales and freelance work. Many need to pursue secondary careers in education or other fields to maintain a steady income.

History

A degree in history enriches one’s understanding of the world but often doesn’t translate into a profitable career path. Historians typically work in education or in roles that require strong research skills, which are abundant but not particularly well-paid.

Geography

Geography degrees often lead to careers in education or low-level government positions. Professional opportunities in geography that offer high pay are rare and usually require extensive experience or further education.

Literature

Literature degrees can lead to careers in publishing or writing, which are typically low-paying and highly competitive. Many literature graduates turn to teaching or other fields for more stable employment.

Sociology

While sociology offers valuable insights into social structures and issues, the degree does not directly lead to high-paying jobs. Most sociologists work in academia and research. Graduates often need additional qualifications to move into higher-paying positions.

Psychology

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a popular undergraduate choice, yet it is not sufficient for those looking to practice clinically. This requires further qualifications, typically at the doctoral level, which entails many more years of education.

Environmental Science

Despite the growing importance of environmental issues, a degree in environmental science does not guarantee a high-paying job. Many roles in this field are government or non-profit positions that offer lower salaries compared to the private sector.

Film Studies

Film studies degrees offer limited direct paths to employment within the highly competitive film industry. Many graduates find themselves working outside the film sector or taking on freelance work that varies widely in pay and stability.

Hospitality Management

Degrees in hospitality management prepare students for careers in the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industries, which are often characterized by long hours and low pay. While management positions can eventually offer better salaries, the path there is typically slow and competitive.

Sports Management

Sports management is an appealing field for many, but the number of high-paying roles is limited and competitive. Many end up working in lower-level positions within sports organizations. Networking and a strong background in business can improve prospects.

Fashion Design

The fashion industry is notorious for its competitiveness and saturation. Many designers work for years on low salaries before gaining recognition, if at all. The field often requires freelancers to supplement their income through other means while trying to establish themselves.

Nutrition

Studying nutrition can lead to a rewarding career in health and wellness, yet many positions in dietetics and nutrition consulting are low paying compared to other health professions. Additional certifications and a registered dietitian credential are often necessary.

Media Studies

Media studies is an incredibly broad field, with a surplus of graduates vying for a limited number of well-paid positions. Many in media end up in temporary or freelance roles that offer little job security.