Here are the college majors that new grads regret the most, according to a recent survey

A college degree is often viewed as a valuable asset in today’s competitive job market, especially for recent graduates who are navigating the challenges of entering the workforce. However, many new grads find themselves questioning their choice of major and wishing they had pursued a different field of study.

According to a recent report from ZipRecruiter, approximately one in five recent graduates express regret over their chosen major. The study surveyed 1,500 graduates from the class of 2025 and another 1,500 students set to graduate this spring. Interestingly, liberal arts majors were found to be the most likely to regret their area of study, with many expressing a desire to have pursued a scientific or quantitative field instead.

Among the fields with the highest share of regret among recent graduates are political science, international relations, or public policy, with 46.3% of these majors expressing dissatisfaction. This is followed by communications, media studies, or public relations majors, with 39.2% expressing regrets about their choice of major. It’s worth noting that regret is not limited to liberal arts majors, as one-third of physical sciences majors also expressed doubts about their chosen field.

The stress of securing a job in a challenging job market may contribute to this sense of regret among young graduates. Research from the Federal Reserve indicates that middle-aged workers tend to be more positive about the value of their college degrees compared to younger Americans. Additionally, the decline in job openings, particularly for entry-level roles, has added to the challenges faced by early-career entrants.

In terms of compensation, recent graduates may also face the disappointment of lower-than-expected pay in their chosen field. For example, public health or health administration majors reported receiving salaries 43.8% lower than they anticipated, while agriculture, environmental science, or natural resources majors, as well as English, literature, or journalism majors, experienced a 30% shortfall in expected pay.

For those seeking more secure career prospects, the study suggests that studying nursing could be a promising pathway to employment. Nursing graduates were found to have a higher likelihood of securing a job before graduation, with the healthcare sector continuing to experience growth in demand. Nursing majors also enjoy higher median salaries compared to other fields, with a median salary of $70,000 per year upon graduation.

Overall, the job market presents challenges for recent graduates, but strategic choices in terms of major selection and career paths can lead to more successful outcomes. It’s essential for students to carefully consider their interests, skills, and future goals when choosing a major to increase their chances of career satisfaction and financial success.