economy
March 5, 2026
The 14 worst-paying college majors, 5 years after graduation
Education majors start out earning less right after college and often remain among the lowest-paid fields throughout their careers.
TL;DR
- Majors in theology, performing arts, social services, and education report some of the lowest median earnings for early-career workers (ages 22-27).
- These low-earning majors typically fall below the U.S. median income of $45,140.
- Teachers earn less than other college-educated workers with comparable education and experience, despite potential job stability and benefits.
- Liberal arts and social service majors often enter lower-paying public or nonprofit sectors.
- Engineering majors earn significantly more, with median incomes of $75,000 or more five years after graduation, rising to $100,000+ by mid-career.
- Pharmacy majors, while listed low initially ($40,000), see median earnings rise to $85,000 by mid-career, though this data reflects majors, not necessarily licensed professionals.
- Education fields, particularly early childhood and elementary education, remain clustered near the bottom in median earnings even by mid-career (ages 35-45).
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