Top College Majors with Highest Unemployment Rates in the U.S.
A recent report has revealed that certain college majors are associated with higher unemployment rates compared to others. Among these, anthropology and computer engineering stand out as some of the top five majors with the highest joblessness figures. This data highlights a growing concern about the alignment between academic choices and the demands of the modern job market.
Anthropology, which focuses on the study of human societies, cultures, and biological development, currently holds the highest unemployment rate at 9.4%. This figure comes from a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which analyzed data from 2023 provided by the Census Bureau. The early career median wage for students majoring in anthropology is $42,000, with potential increases to $70,000 in mid-career.
Physics follows closely behind with an unemployment rate of 7.8%. Students in this field can expect a starting salary of $70,000, which may rise to $100,000 over time. Computer engineering ranks third with a 7.5% unemployment rate, making it one of the most competitive fields in terms of job placement.
Commercial art and graphic design come next with a 7.2% unemployment rate, while fine arts rounds off the list at 7%. These statistics suggest that despite the high level of interest in these disciplines, graduates often face significant challenges in securing employment.
Daniel Zhao, a lead economist at Glassdoor, explained that even though these fields have higher unemployment rates, they remain attractive due to the potential for high earnings. He noted that students in computer-related majors can expect substantial salaries, thanks to the financial strength of the technology sector.
Computer engineering, for instance, ranks among the top majors for early career median wages, with an average of $80,000. This is similar to the earnings seen in computer science and chemical engineering. Zhao emphasized that while unemployment rates may be high, underemployment rates tend to be lower, indicating that many graduates are waiting for the right opportunity in their chosen field.
Bryan Driscoll, a human resource consultant, pointed out that many students hold unrealistic expectations about the job prospects of certain degrees. He highlighted that computer science and computer engineering often overlap in university curricula, leading to confusion among students about the actual opportunities available.
Driscoll also mentioned that despite the effort and selection of what might seem like “top” majors, many graduates face intense competition, limited job opportunities, and increasing student debt. He added that in today’s job market, a candidate’s educational background or the prestige of their institution often plays a more significant role than their actual skills or abilities.
This trend reflects a growing gap between the perceived value of certain degrees and the real-world outcomes experienced by graduates. It underscores the need for both students and educators to reassess career guidance and expectations in light of the evolving job market.
Overall, the unemployment rate for recent U.S. college graduates rose to 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% a year earlier. This increase signals a broader shift in the labor market, where traditional pathways to employment are becoming less predictable and more competitive. As a result, students must carefully consider their academic choices and seek out opportunities that align with current economic realities.
