Earning a college degree can significantly impact one’s financial future, with many graduates enjoying higher salaries compared to those with only a high school diploma. According to recent data, individuals aged 25-34 with a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual salary of $66,600, whereas their counterparts with only a high school education earned $41,800.
However, not all college graduates experience this salary boost. Certain fields, such as studio arts, have a median salary of just $40,000, indicating that the value of a college degree can vary greatly depending on the field of study.
A recent analysis of data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey revealed the most and least valuable college degrees based on factors such as median salaries, unemployment rates, and advanced degree rates. Studio arts degree holders, for instance, face low earnings prospects and an unemployment rate of 4.6%, nearly double the rate for all college graduates.
The following list highlights the 10 least valuable college degrees in 2024, characterized by low salaries, high unemployment rates, and high rates of workers with advanced degrees:
While certain arts-related degrees may have low rates of workers with advanced degrees, they fall short in terms of salary and unemployment rates. In contrast, the most valuable bachelor’s degrees boast high salaries, low unemployment rates, and low rates of workers with advanced degrees.
Interestingly, only two of the least valuable degrees see graduates earning at least $50,000 a year: communications technologies and other foreign languages. However, even in these fields, high unemployment rates and high rates of advanced degrees may indicate that further education is necessary to achieve financial success.
Ultimately, the value of a college degree depends on a combination of factors, including the field of study, salary prospects, and unemployment rates. By understanding these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational investments and career paths.
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