The Most and Least Regretted Types of College Degrees

By Emalee Brannon | Published on February 23, 2026

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Going to college is an investment in your future. Yet, the rising costs of college make it essential to choose your major carefully. Knowing the most and least regretted college degrees helps you benefit from the experiences of others who pursued their education in the past.

Watch out for these most regretted degree types

The most common reason for someone to regret their degree is that it leads to hardships with finding gainful employment after graduation. These degrees stand out for potentially offering lower salaries and long-term earnings than others.

Humanities

This field of study includes degrees in English, Philosophy, and History. Most people regret this type of degree because of the limited job opportunities available once they graduate.

Social Sciences

There’s no doubt that sociology and anthropology are interesting subjects to study, but people with these degrees tend to struggle with finding jobs in today’s employment market.

Education

Teaching is often described as a profession that people choose out of the desire to help others, but the resulting high stress and low salary might not be ideal for meeting your future goals.

Communications

You may find that you regret this degree if you graduate into a saturated market that is highly competitive with a low starting salary.

Fine Arts

Doing what you love could lead to you regretting this degree if you aren’t able to secure employment in your preferred position. Many people with this degree end up teaching and taking other positions that have low salaries.

A 2023 College Major Satisfaction Survey conducted by Dreambound showed that over 40% of Humanities & Social Sciences majors preferred another subject and were even more worried about the economic side of their field. The survey also revealed that 30% of education majors struggled with job availability while 50% struggled with their interest in the field as a whole, and about 50% of arts majors were most disappointed with their income.

Consider these least regretted degrees instead

While some of the most appreciated degrees require longer periods of study compared to others, you’ll find the rewards are worth the effort.

Engineering

Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering degrees are known for offering diverse job opportunities along with high earning potential.

Computer Science

Naturally, a degree in this field allows you to tap into a rapidly growing industry that allows you to graduate into a strong job market with tons of growth opportunities.

Business Administration and Finance

This field is popular for the versatility that this type of degree offers. Whether you want to work in the upper levels of management or get involved in the finance sector, you’ll be in a prime position to take advantage of lucrative job opportunities with this degree.

Nursing and Healthcare

The healthcare industry has undergone rapid changes over the past few years that have led to an increased need for people with this degree. On top of having diverse options for finding a position, you’ll also enjoy being involved in an industry that is personally fulfilling.

Information Technology

IT professionals tend to work in office environments and are currently experiencing a high rate of growing job opportunities.

Of those who participated in the 2023 College Major Satisfaction Survey, 13.2% said that if they could choose their major now, they would choose Computer Science, 8.2% would choose Business, 6% Engineering, and 5.2% Nursing and Healthcare.

How to choose a college major

If you’re an upcoming or recent high school graduate, try to consider what you might like to do professionally as you mature. For instance, earning a degree in music might not give you the ability to buy the house of your dreams as soon as you’d like. Alternatively, you might do well using your interest in computers to pursue a degree in engineering that allows you to maximize your income opportunities.

You’ll also need to consider practical issues such as the cost of your degree program along with your general abilities. Look for a degree plan that offers you the ability to supplement your coursework with training opportunities in related fields. While you should graduate with most of the skills you need to start working within your career field, it helps to know that there are infinite opportunities for professional growth and development that stave off stagnation.

What to look for in your college major

You’ll also want to consider how your course of study influences your personal growth.

Choosing a major that allows you to use your skills as part of your lifestyle is always ideal since you’ll still be happy to have your degree if you branch out into other industries. Keep in mind that professional development should continue throughout your education and career. For instance, learning how to deliver presentations is a skill that you’ll use both personally and at work.

As you search for the right educational pathway, try to remember that most degree programs offer transferable skills that you can use across a broad range of possible industries. Taking the time to carefully match your degree plan to your personality, professional goals and general aptitude for specific skills makes it more likely that you’ll be satisfied with your decision.

Consider the cost of your degree

An education can often be expensive, and choosing a degree that will give you a good return on investment is important. Consider how much financial aid you will get from your college, and if you’ll need to take out either federal or private student loans. Calculate how much you’ll need to borrow and pay back after graduation. If you will need to borrow a high amount in loans, you may want to consider a degree with a higher starting salary.

When it comes to funding, make sure you’re taking advantage of all financial aid, grants, and scholarships. If you need either a federal or private student loan, it is important to compare your options. Earnest offers flexible repayment options, no fees, low rates, and a nine-month grace period — three months more than the six-month standard offered by other lenders. You can get a free rate estimate from Earnest, and it won’t affect your credit score.

Remember, getting a degree is one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your life. Make sure you study in a field that serves you both personally and financially.

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About the Author

Emalee Brannon

Emalee Brannon is a Digital Public Relations Specialist with HigherVisibility. She loved reading and writing from a very early age, so after a four-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, she began her career in Digital Public Relations, which allows her to share her knowledge online. When she is not working, she can be found spending time with her family, working on home improvement, or watching her favorite shows.

Disclaimer

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.