The Regrettable Reality of College Majors: Which Degrees Lead to the Most Regret?

A recent report by the Federal Reserve has shed light on the regret many college graduates feel about their chosen majors. The report, titled “Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023,” reveals that majors with less defined career paths, such as humanities and arts, are the most regretted.

Among the top majors that graduates regret, social and behavioral sciences top the list with 44% of grads reporting regret. Humanities and arts follow closely behind at 43%, along with life sciences and law at the same percentage. Education majors also make the list with 38% expressing regret.

On the other hand, majors like engineering, information sciences, business, and health sciences are among the least regretted. These majors typically lead to more stable and lucrative career paths, providing graduates with higher levels of satisfaction.

The report also highlights the declining college enrollment among Black Americans and the trend of pursuing degrees that lead to lower-paying career fields. Despite this, the majority of college graduates, at 80%, do not regret their decision to attend college.

While most respondents in the report expressed satisfaction with their education, many indicated that they would choose a different major if given a second chance. Analysts noted that while the financial benefits of higher education often outweigh the costs, many graduates still wish they had made different educational decisions.

Overall, the report underscores the importance of carefully considering one’s choice of major and the potential impact it can have on future career opportunities and satisfaction.