THE ECONOMIC VALUE of COLLEGE MAJORS Anthony P. Carnevale Ban Cheah Andrew R. Hanson Executive Summary 215
The Economic Value FACT SHEET of College Majors In this report, we analyze the annual earnings of college graduates by major. Entry-level earnings are for ages 21-24. Mid-career earnings are for ages 25-59. Earnings are reported in 213 dollars. Majors are aggregated into seven supergroups: STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Business Teaching and serving (E.g., education and social work) Health Arts, humanities, and liberal arts Career-focused (E.g., industrial arts) Social sciences We also analyze the prevalence of majors among college-educated adults and how much graduate degree holders earn based on their undergraduate major compared to Bachelor s degree holders. Finally, we analyze the 1 highest- and lowest-paying majors among 137 detailed major subgroups. Graduate degree holders include workers between the ages of 25 and 59. Graduate degree holders majors refer to their undergraduate major, not their graduate field of study. Bachelor s degree holders refers to adults between the ages of 21 and 59 with a Bachelor s degree but no further education. Earnings data are reported for workers employed full-time, full-year. Data on the prevalence of majors include all college-educated adults, including those neither employed nor in the labor force. High school graduates refers to workers between the ages of 21 and 59 with nothing other than a high school diploma, employed full-time, full-year. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Lumina Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, or their officers, or their employees. 3
FIGURE 1 Not all Bachelor s degrees are created equal. $41, $38, $37, $3, $29, Entry-level At the entry level, health majors earn $41, annually, while humanities and liberal arts majors earn Health STEM Business Career-focused Arts, humanities, and liberal arts $29, annually. Median annual wages of college-educated workers (ages 21-24) by major supergroup (213$) Mid-career Among prime-age workers, 1 those who $76, $67, $65, $61, $51, $46, majored in STEM earn $76, annually, while those who had a teaching and serving major earn $46, annually. STEM Business Health All majors Arts, humanities, and liberal arts Teaching and serving Median annual wages of college-educated workers (ages 25-59) by major supergroup (213$) FIGURE 2 College graduates wages increase over the course of their careers, while the differences in wages among majors grow larger. Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 1 Prime-age workers refers to those between the ages of 25 and 59. 4
FIGURE 3 Majors play a larger role in determining earnings than the decision to go to college. $3.4 MILLION $1 MILLION The difference between the lifetime wages of college and high school graduates is $1 million; the difference between the highest- and lowest-paying college majors is $3.4 million. Difference in lifetime wages of college and high school graduates Difference in lifetime wages of highest- and lowest-paying majors Lifetime wage premium (in millions of 213$) FIGURE 4 Your major isn t your destiny. Some college graduates who have generally low-paying majors earn more than some college graduates with generally higher-paying majors: the top 25 percent of education majors earn $59, or more annually, while the bottom 25 percent of engineering majors earn $59, or less annually. $59, Engineering All majors Education 25th 5th 75th High school graduate $4, $8, $12, Interquartile range of annual wages of college-educated workers (ages 25-59) by educational attainment and major group (213$) Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 5
FIGURE 5 Business majors and STEM majors are the most common and among the highest-paying majors. Social sciences 6.9% Health 7.5% 26.1% Business Career-focused (E.g., industrial arts) 11.9% Arts, humanities, and liberal arts 13.4% Teaching and serving (E.g., education and social work) 14.5% 19.6% STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Share of college graduates (ages 25-59) by meta-major FIGURE 6 Most students choose a major that is connected to the labor market. 2% Majors with weak connections to the labor market humanities and liberal arts, social sciences, and arts majors comprise only 2 percent of college-educated workers. Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 6
FIGURE 7 Some majors are more likely to lead to graduate school than others. Biology and life sciences majors are the most likely to earn a graduate degree. 57.7% Biology and life sciences 5.% Physical sciences Three most likely majors to earn a graduate degree 45.3% Psychology and social work Three least likely majors to earn a graduate degree 35.1% All majors 23.2% Arts 22.2% Business 2.8% Communications and journalism FIGURE 8 The benefit of a graduate degree is much greater for some majors than others. Physical sciences Social sciences Business Psychology and social work Education Industrial arts, consumer services, and recreation $32, $27, $22, $16, $15, $13, $2, $4, $6, $8, $1, Median annual wages Graduate degree wage premium Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 7
What s It Worth? Highest- and Lowest-Earning Majors FACT SHEET Almost all of the highest-paying majors are in engineering fields. Rank 2 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration $4, $8, 1 Petroleum Engineering $136, 3 Metallurgical Engineering $98, $113, $12, 4 Mining and Mineral Engineering $97, 5 Chemical Engineering $96, 6 Electrical Engineering $93, 7 Aerospace Engineering $9, 8 Mechanical Engineering $87, 9 Computer Engineering $87, Pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical administration Bachelor s degree holders have the only non-engineering major among the top 1 majors ranked by wages. 1 Geological and $87, Geophysical Engineering The lowest-paying majors are in education, arts, and social work fields. 128 Family and Consumer Sciences $45, 129 Drama and Theater Arts $45, 13 Elementary Education 131 Theology and Religious Vocations 132 Visual and Performing Arts 133 Teacher Education: Multiple Levels 134 Social Work 135 Studio Arts 136 Human Services and Community Organization 137 Early Childhood Education $43, $43, $42, $42, $42, $42, $41, $39, Early childhood education majors earn $39, annually mid-career, the lowest among college graduates. Median annual wages of college-educated workers (ages 25-59) by major subgroup (213$) Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 8
Rank Major Median Earnings 129 18 113 135 132 117 123 137 13 125 Drama and Theater Arts Fine Arts Music Studio Arts Visual and Performing Arts Neuroscience Art and Music Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education General Education $44,538 $48,871 $48,686 $41,762 $42,465 $48,19 $45,613 137 Detailed Majors $39,97 $42,736 Selective Statistics $45,572 127 Language and Drama Education $45,44 116 119 118 12 126 133 122 19 121 11 Mathematics Teacher Education Science and Computer Teacher Education Secondary Teacher Education Social Science or History Teacher Education Special Needs Education Teacher Education: Multiple Levels Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Art History and Criticism Composition and Speech Humanities Contents 1 14 3 $48,654 $47,785 $48,78 $46,68 $45,44 $42,194 Earnings $45,654 at the 25th, 5th and 75th s, by Bachelor s degree major $48,871 The graduate advantage, earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $46,68 All majors by group, ranked by earnings and popularity $48,686 124 131 128 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Theology and Religious Vocations Family and Consumer Sciences 34 36 $45,613 Lowest- and highest-earning majors, Bachelor s degree holders $42,736 Lowest- and highest-earning majors, graduate degree holders $44,743 111 136 112 Physical Fitness Parks Recreation and Leisure Human Services and Community Organization Psychology 38 39 Majors ranked by popularity for Bachelor s $48,686 degree holders $41,113 Majors ranked by popularity for graduate degree holders $48,686 134 Social Work $42,194 115 Anthropology and Archeology $48,679
MID-CAREER EARNINGS AT THE 25TH, 5TH AND 75TH PERCENTILES, BY BACHELOR S DEGREE MAJOR All Bachelor s Degree Holders $4, $8, $12, $16, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Economics Food Science Forestry Miscellaneous Agriculture Natural Resources Management General Agriculture Plant Science and Agronomy Animal Sciences 25th 5th 75th Architecture and Engineering Petroleum Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Mining and Mineral Engineering Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Geological and Geophysical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science General Engineering Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Architectural Engineering Engineering and Industrial Management Environmental Engineering Miscellaneous Engineering Industrial Production Technologies Miscellaneous Engineering Technologies Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering-Related Technologies Architecture Engineering Technologies Arts Commercial Art and Graphic Design Film, Video, and Photographic Arts Fine Arts Music Drama and Theater Arts Studio Arts Visual and Performing Arts Petroleum Engineering 75th earnings $243, $4, $8, $12, $16, 1
Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s, by Bachelor s degree major All Bachelor s Degree Holders Biology and Life Sciences Microbiology Biochemical Sciences Zoology Environmental Science Biology Miscellaneous Biology Molecular Biology Botany Ecology Neuroscience $4, $8, $12, $16, Business Management Information Systems and Statistics Business Economics Finance Operations Logistics and E-Commerce Accounting General Business Marketing and Marketing Research Business Management and Administration International Business Miscellaneous Business and Medical Administration Human Resources and Personnel Management Hospitality Management Communications and Journalism Journalism Advertising and Public Relations Communications and Mass Media Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics Computer Engineering Applied Mathematics Computer Science Statistics and Decision Science Information Sciences Mathematics Computer and Information Systems Miscellaneous Computer $4, $8, $12, $16, 11
Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s, by Bachelor s degree major All Bachelor s Degree Holders Education Miscellaneous Education Physical and Health Education Teaching Mathematics Teacher Education Science and Computer Teacher Education Secondary Teacher Education Social Sciences or History Teacher Education Art and Music Education General Education Language and Drama Education Special Needs Education Elementary Education Teacher Education: Multiple Levels Early Childhood Education Health Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration Nursing Treatment Therapy Professions Miscellaneous Health and Medical Professions Health and Medical Administrative Services Health and Medical Preparatory Programs Nutrition Sciences Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Humanities and Liberal Arts History English Language and Literature Liberal Arts French, German, Latin, and Other Common Foreign Language Studies Intercultural and International Studies Area Ethnic and Civilization Studies Other Foreign Languages Philosophy and Religious Studies Linguistics and Comparative Language and Literature Art History and Criticism Humanities Composition and Speech Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Theology and Religious Vocations $4, $8, $12, $16, $4, $8, $12, $16, 12
Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s, by Bachelor s degree major All Bachelor s Degree Holders Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation Transportation Sciences and Technologies Miscellaneous Industrial Arts and Consumer Services Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Family and Consumer Sciences Law and Public Policy Public Policy Public Administration Criminal Justice and Fire Protection Pre-Law and Legal Studies Physical Sciences Physics Geology and Earth Science Oceanography Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies Chemistry Geosciences Physical Sciences Multi-Disciplinary or General Sciences Psychology and Social Work Industrial and Organizational Psychology Social Psychology Psychology Social Work Human Services and Community Organization Social Sciences Economics Political Science and Government International Relations Geography Miscellaneous Social Sciences Criminology General Social Sciences Sociology Anthropology and Archeology Interdisciplinary Social Sciences $4, $8, $12, $16, $4, $8, $12, $16, Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 13
The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major THE GRADUATE ADVANTAGE The charts displayed in this section (the graduate advantage) show the interquartile range of annual wages for each major group and subgroup. riculture and Each Natural horizontal Resources bar The corresponds Graduate Advantage to a major group or subgroup. nings at the 25th, 5th and 75th by Bachelor s degree major The leftmost point on the bar shows the 25th of the wage distribution. The dot in the middle of the bar shows the median Agriculture and Natural Resources The Graduate Advantage or 5th of the wage distribution. The rightmost point on the bar shows the 75th of the wage distribution. $4, $8, $12, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agricultural Economics Major Forestry group Food Science Animal Sciences Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th by Bachelor s degree major Agriculture and Natural Resources Agriculture and Natural Resources The Graduate Advantage Earnings Agricultural at the 25th, Economics 5th and 75th by Bachelor s degree major Forestry Food Science Animal Sciences Agriculture and Natural Resources Natural Management Resources The columns on the right correspond to the percentage and absolute difference between the median annual wage distribution of graduate degree holders 5th Percentile and Bachelor s Change degree holders. Percent Absolute 32.9% $4, $8, $12, 23.8% 29.% 14.5% $4, $8, $12, 54.5% 5th Percentile Change Percent 32.9% 23.8% 29.% 5th 14.5% Percentile Change $9,8 $9,8 Percent 54.5% $18,3 $16, 32.9% 28.5% Absolute $18, Absolute $26,8 $18,3 $16, $18, $26,8 $15,8 $18,3 tural Resources Management Major subgroups Plant Science and Agronomy Plant Science Agricultural and Economics Agronomy Miscellaneous Agriculture Forestry General Food Agriculture Science 28.5% 31.6% 23.8% 31.6% $15,8 29.% 23.5% $16,9 14.5% 27.6% $16, $16,9 $13,4 $18, $9,8 $14,7 Miscellaneous Agriculture General Agriculture 25th 5th 75th 25th Animal Sciences 25th 5th 75th Natural Resources Management Bachelor s degree holders 28.5% 5th $15,8 Graduate degree holders absolute change Plant Science and Agronomy 27.6% 31.6% $14,7 $16,9 Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of US Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-212. Miscellaneous Agriculture 23.5% $13,4 General Agriculture $4, $8, $12, $4, $8, $12, 54.5% 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders 5th The bottom 25 percent of col- Half of college-educated The Graduate top degree 25 holders percent of collegeabsolute change ce: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of US Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-212. Source: Georgetown workers University earn Center more on Education than and the the Workforce analysis educated of US Census workers Bureau, American earn Community more Survey micro data, 29-212. lege-educated workers earn less than the 25th. $4, $8, $12, Bachelor s degree holders 5th Graduate degree holders median and half earn less. 23.5% $13,4 27.6% 5th 75th absolute change than than 75th. $14,7 $26,8 14 14
Agriculture and Natural Resources The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major 5th Percentile Change $4, $8, $12, Percent Absolute Agriculture and Natural Resources 32.9% $18,3 Agricultural Economics Forestry Food Science Animal Sciences Natural Resources Management Plant Science and Agronomy Miscellaneous Agriculture General Agriculture 23.8% 29.% 14.5% 54.5% 28.5% 31.6% 23.5% 27.6% $16, $18, $9,8 $26,8 $15,8 $16,9 $13,4 $14,7 $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 15
Architecture and Engineering The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, $16, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Architecture and Engineering 25.% $21, Petroleum Engineering Geological and Geophysical Engineering ($243,) ($27,) ($182,) -5.4% 31.6% (-$7,) $27, Aerospace Engineering 24.5% $22, Electrical Engineering 2.% $19, Chemical Engineering 12.9% $12, Metallurgical Engineering 11.1% $11, Engineering and Industrial Management 39.3% $31, Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science 32.2% $26, Mechanical Engineering 23.% $2, Mining and Mineral Engineering 8.6% $8, General Engineering 27.7% $22, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering 24.6% $2, Civil Engineering 21.4% $18, Miscellaneous Engineering 29.4% $22, Miscellaneous Engineering Technologies 23.3% $17, Mechanical Engineering- Related Technologies 27.6% $19, Industrial Production Technologies 19.4% $14, Environmental Engineering 15.8% $12, Biomedical Engineering 24.1% $17, Architectural Engineering 1.7% $1, Engineering Technologies 18.8% $12, Architecture 13.3% $9, $4, $8, $12, $16, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 16
The Graduate Advantage Arts Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $2, $4, $6, $8, $1, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Arts Commercial Art and Graphic Design Music 22.9% 23.7% 25.% $11, $12, $12, Drama and Theater Arts Fine Arts Film, Video, and Photographic Arts Visual and Performing Arts Studio Arts 34.4% 22.4% 16.7% 31.4% 29.5% $15, $11, $9, $13, $12, $2, $4, $6, $8, $1, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 17
Biology and Life Science The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, $16, $2, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Biology and Life Sciences Zoology Biochemical Sciences Biology Microbiology Molecular Biology Miscellaneous Biology Environmental Science Botany Ecology Neuroscience 63.3% 8.7% 64.9% 7.9% 42.7% 62.% 49.5% 24.7% 27.4% 29.7% 26.3% $36, $47, $38, $4, $27, $34, $27, $14, $14, $15, $13, $4, $8, $12, $16, $2, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 18
The Graduate Advantage Business Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, $16, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Business 33.3% $22, Finance 39.9% $29, Business Economics Operations Logistics and E-Commerce Management Information Systems and Statistics Accounting General Business Marketing and Marketing Research Business Management and Administration International Business 33.1% 38.% 2.% 32.2% 36.6% 29.3% 3.6% 32.5% $25, $27, $15, $22, $24, $18, $19, $19, Miscellaneous Business and Medical Administration 32.% $19, Human Resources and Personnel Management 28.% $16, Hospitality Management 33.7% $18, $4, $8, $12, $16, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 19
Communications and Journalism The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major 5th Percentile Change $2, $4, $6, $8, $1, Percent Absolute Communications and Journalism 25.5% $14, Journalism Communications and Mass Media Advertising and Public Relations 27.% 24.% 2.% $15, $13, $11, $2, $4, $6, $8, $1, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 2
The Graduate Advantage Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major 5th Percentile Change $4, $8, $12, Percent Absolute Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics 25.6% $19, Applied Mathematics Computer Engineering Statistics and Decision Science Computer Science Mathematics Information Sciences Computer and Information Systems Miscellaneous Computer 27.5% 17.3% 29.3% 2.6% 24.5% 2.8% 22.3% 37.4% $23, $15, $23, $17, $18, $15, $15, $22, $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 21
Education The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $2, $4, $6, $8, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Education Physical and Health Education Teaching Secondary Teacher Education Science and Computer Teacher Education Miscellaneous Education Mathematics Teacher Education Social Sciences or History Teacher Education Special Needs Education Art and Music Education Language and Drama Education General Education Elementary Education Teacher Education: Multiple Levels Early Childhood Education 33.3% 32.2% 33.6% 34.1% 23.% 29.% 33.3% 34.% 33.5% 33.8% 31.1% 33.3% 34.2% 36.6% $15, $16, $16, $16, $12, $14, $16, $15, $15, $15, $14, $14, $14, $14, $2, $4, $6, $8, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 22
The Graduate Advantage Heath Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Health 29.2% $19, Health and Medical Preparatory Programs Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration ($291,) 136.1% $74, 4.4% $5, Nursing 33.5% $22, Health and Medical Administrative Services 44.7% $25, Miscellaneous Health and Medical Professions 29.3% $17, Treatment Therapy Professions 11.7% $8, Nutrition Sciences 34.2% $18, Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 44.4% $2, $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 23
Humanities and Liberal Arts The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Humanities and Liberal Arts History Area Ethnic and Civilization Studies Intercultural and International Studies Humanities Liberal Arts Other Foreign Languages English Language and Literature Philosophy and Religious Studies Linguistics and Comparative Language and Literature French, German, Latin, and Other Common Foreign Language Studies Art History and Criticism Composition and Speech Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Theology and Religious Vocations 34.2% 47.6% 49.8% 4.% 45.9% 33.5% 36.5% 29.4% 34.4% 36.7% 3.% 34.9% 3.5% 24.1% 18.7% $18, $26, $26, $21, $22, $18, $19, $16, $17, $18, $16, $17, $14, $11, $8, $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 24
The Graduate Advantage Industrial Arts, Consumer Services & Recreation Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major 5th Percentile Change $4, $8, $12, Percent Absolute Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation 25.4% $13, Transportation Sciences and Technologies 29.7% $22, Miscellaneous Industrial Arts and Consumer Services Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Family and Consumer Sciences 18.9% 33.3% 33.5% $4, $8, $12, $12, $16, $15, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 25
Law and Public Policy The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Law and Public Policy 33.1% $18, Public Policy 41.1% $27, Pre-Law and Legal Studies 51.9% $27, Public Administration 2.8% $13, Criminal Justice and Fire Protection 29.7% $16, $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 26
The Graduate Advantage Physical Sciences Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, $16, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Physical Sciences Chemistry Physics Geosciences Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, & Biological Technologies Oceanography Geology and Earth Science Multi-Disciplinary or General Science Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Physical Sciences 5.% 61.6% 25.% 53.5% 47.7% 31.5% 25.1% 42.4% 26.6% 27.6% $32, $39, $2, $34, $31, $22, $17, $26, $18, $17, $4, $8, $12, $16, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 27
Psychology and Social Work The Graduate Advantage Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Psychology and Social Work 33.3% $16, Industrial and Organizational Psychology 26.4% $17, Social Psychology 37.8% $19, Psychology 33.3% $16, Social Work 3.1% $13, Human Services and Community Organization 31.% $13, $4, $8, $12, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th Percentile Absolute Change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 28
The Graduate Advantage Social Sciences Earnings at the 25th, 5th and 75th s by Bachelor s degree major $4, $8, $12, $16, 5th Percentile Change Percent Absolute Social Sciences Economics Political Science and Government International Relations Miscellaneous Social Sciences Geography Criminology General Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Anthropology and Archeology Sociology 44.6% 43.6% 49.1% 46.4% 42.7% 33.9% 31.2% 29.3% 4.% 35.5% 28.% $27, $33, $31, $29, $24, $2, $17, $15, $19, $17, $14, $4, $8, $12, $16, 25th 5th 75th Bachelor s degree holders Graduate degree holders 5th absolute change Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 29
ALL MAJORS BY GROUP RANKED BY EARNINGS AND POPULARITY Bachelor s Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Graduate Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Agriculture and Natural Resources 39 112 Agricultural Economics 54 125 17 72 Animal Sciences 73 67 4 116 Food Science 71 119 55 99 Forestry 62 18 85 67 General Agriculture 96 89 7 7 Miscellaneous Agriculture 89 16 75 78 Natural Resources Management 82 9 86 86 Plant Science and Agronomy 88 98 Architecture and Engineering 7 1 Aerospace Engineering 5 72 18 122 Architectural Engineering 57 133 41 34 Architecture 75 4 33 17 Biomedical Engineering 49 75 5 51 Chemical Engineering 7 38 12 31 Civil Engineering 22 33 6 17 Electrical Engineering 6 13 19 114 Engineering and Industrial Management 1 122 17 123 Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science 11 116 43 111 Engineering Technologies 67 127 22 128 Environmental Engineering 44 123 16 23 General Engineering 17 21 1 137 Geological and Geophysical Engineering 4 137 14 62 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering 19 56 26 81 Industrial Production Technologies 45 115 8 24 Mechanical Engineering 12 18 37 113 Mechanical Engineering-Related Technologies 46 132 3 136 Metallurgical Engineering 8 128 4 131 Mining and Mineral Engineering 13 136 23 98 Miscellaneous Engineering 26 97 31 5 Miscellaneous Engineering Technologies 43 78 1 124 Petroleum Engineering 1 131 Arts 15 22 Commercial Art and Graphic Design 116 65 129 47 Drama and Theater Arts 124 64 98 58 Film, Video, and Photographic Arts 126 11 18 21 Fine Arts 125 36 113 36 Music 121 31 135 82 Studio Arts 134 93 132 97 Visual and Performing Arts 132 19 3
All Majors by Group Ranked by Earnings and Popularity Bachelor s Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Graduate Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Biology and Life Sciences 64 89 Biochemical Sciences 3 41 74 14 Biology 31 2 93 129 Botany 13 118 1 16 Ecology 14 12 71 63 Environmental Science 83 69 56 92 Microbiology 4 58 79 77 Miscellaneous Biology 59 5 83 115 Molecular Biology 48 8 117 133 Neuroscience 12 112 68 15 Zoology 15 59 Business 38 3 Accounting 37 9 25 87 Business Economics 25 95 58 1 Business Management and Administration 61 5 3 12 Finance 21 17 49 2 General Business 41 8 91 39 Hospitality Management 92 96 66 44 Human Resources and Personnel Management 77 61 62 74 International Business 66 86 21 45 Management Information Systems and Statistics 34 74 54 7 Marketing and Marketing Research 58 25 65 68 Miscellaneous Business and Medical Administration 7 15 32 94 Operations Logistics and E-Commerce 29 113 Communications and Journalism 78 42 Advertising and Public Relations 18 85 77 6 Communications and Mass Media 11 16 73 27 Journalism 81 49 Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics 13 119 Applied Mathematics 14 111 34 33 Computer and Information Systems 52 53 9 46 Computer Engineering 18 52 11 11 Computer Science 24 14 27 75 Information Sciences 42 91 29 3 Mathematics 38 19 63 4 Miscellaneous Computer 6 82 2 117 Statistics and Decision Science 23 14 31
All Majors by Group Ranked by Earnings and Popularity Bachelor s Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Graduate Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Education 123 49 Art and Music Education 119 44 137 53 Early Childhood Education 136 54 13 9 Elementary Education 129 4 125 8 General Education 127 3 127 61 Language and Drama Education 122 45 116 12 Mathematics Teacher Education 115 66 9 54 Miscellaneous Education 114 37 11 38 Physical and Health Education Teaching 12 42 119 18 Science and Computer Teacher Education 113 81 118 55 Secondary Teacher Education 112 48 12 76 Social Sciences or History Teacher Education 117 63 126 56 Special Needs Education 118 32 133 88 Teacher Education: Multiple Levels 13 73 Health 122 93 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 17 3 76 65 Health and Medical Administrative Services 63 77 81 118 Health and Medical Preparatory Programs 2 62 72 25 Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions 78 23 46 4 Nursing 47 1 95 9 Nutrition Sciences 91 79 2 57 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration 3 39 48 35 Treatment Therapy Professions 79 35 Humanities and Liberal Arts 96 71 Area Ethnic and Civilization Studies 72 55 19 8 Art History and Criticism 16 7 121 96 Composition and Speech 123 99 89 1 English Language and Literature 94 6 92 43 French, German, Latin, and Other Common Foreign Language Studies 1 34 82 18 History 64 11 11 19 Humanities 84 13 94 11 Intercultural and International Studies 8 87 87 19 Liberal Arts 85 26 16 91 Linguistics and Comparative Language and Literature 99 68 124 11 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 131 12 12 14 Other Foreign Languages 93 83 13 48 Philosophy and Religious Studies 98 27 131 41 Theology and Religious Vocations 137 46 32
All Majors by Group Ranked by Earnings and Popularity Bachelor s Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Graduate Degree Ranking By earnings By popularity Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, and Recreation 128 29 Family and Consumer Sciences 128 47 53 52 Miscellaneous Industrial Arts and Consumer Services 74 11 111 28 Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure 19 43 28 6 Transportation Sciences and Technologies 33 1 Law and Public Policy 8 13 Criminal Justice and Fire Protection 87 24 97 83 Pre-Law and Legal Studies 68 88 59 13 Public Administration 76 84 47 127 Public Policy 35 114 Physical Sciences 42 126 Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology 53 126 5 37 Chemistry 16 15 35 69 Geology and Earth Science 5 57 51 134 Geosciences 27 129 61 26 Multidisciplinary or General Science 51 28 44 12 Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies 28 117 36 13 Oceanography 36 13 57 135 Physical Sciences 65 134 15 73 Physics 2 29 Psychology and Social Work 136 79 Human Services and Community Organization 135 92 45 121 Industrial and Organizational Psychology 55 124 112 5 Psychology 11 1 99 132 Social Psychology 9 135 134 32 Social Work 133 22 Social Sciences 115 59 Anthropology and Archeology 15 51 84 85 Criminology 86 17 24 16 Economics 9 12 88 66 General Social Sciences 95 71 67 64 Geography 69 76 114 95 Interdisciplinary Social Sciences 97 94 6 84 International Relations 39 6 69 125 Miscellaneous Social Sciences 56 121 52 15 Political Science and Government 32 7 14 2 Sociology 111 2 33
LOWEST- AND HIGHEST-EARNING MAJORS BACHELOR S DEGREE HOLDERS Rank Major Median Earnings $48,871 129 18 Drama and Theater Arts Fine Arts $44,538 $48,871 Agriculture and Natural Resources 113 Music $48,686 135 132 Studio Arts Visual and Performing Arts $41,762 $42,465 Architecture and Engineering 117 Neuroscience $48,19 123 Art and Music Education $45,613 137 Early Childhood Education $39,97 Arts 13 Elementary Education $42,736 125 General Education $45,572 Biology and Life Sciences 127 Language and Drama Education $45,44 116 Mathematics Teacher Education $48,654 Business 119 118 Science and Computer Teacher Education Secondary Teacher Education $47,785 $48,78 Communications and Journalism 12 Social Science or History Teacher Education $46,68 Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics 126 Special Needs Education $45,44 133 Teacher Education: Multiple Levels $42,194 Education 122 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $45,654 19 121 Art History and Criticism Composition and Speech $48,871 $46,68 Health 11 124 Humanities Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $48,686 $45,613 Humanities and Liberal Arts 131 128 Theology and Religious Vocations Family and Consumer Sciences $42,736 $44,743 Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation 111 136 Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Human Services and Community Organization $48,686 $41,113 Law and Public Policy Physical Sciences 112 134 Psychology Social Work $48,686 $42,194 Psychology and Social Work 115 114 Anthropology and Archeology Interdisciplinary Social Sciences $48,679 $48,679 Social Sciences 34
Lowest- and Highest-Earning Majors Bachelor s Degree Holders $72,51 Median Earnings Major Rank $9,141 Aerospace Engineering 7 $8,13 Architectural Engineering 18 $96,156 Chemical Engineering 5 $82,858 Civil Engineering 12 $93,215 Electrical Engineering 6 $77,679 Engineering and Industrial Management 19 $8,787 Engineering Mechanics Physics and Science 17 $76,22 Environmental Engineering 22 $8,787 General Engineering 16 $86,553 Geological and Geophysical Engineering 1 $81,452 $73,719 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Production Technologies 14 26 $86,883 Mechanical Engineering 8 $97,743 Metallurgical Engineering 3 $97,372 Mining and Mineral Engineering 4 $76,22 Miscellaneous Engineering 23 $135,754 Petroleum Engineering 1 $74,788 Business Economics 25 $72,51 Finance 3 Management Information $76,924 21 Systems and Statistics $82,858 Applied Mathematics 13 $86,553 Computer Engineering 9 $82,858 Computer Science 11 $73,46 Information Sciences 27 $72,51 Mathematics 29 $77,679 Statistics and Decision Science 2 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical $112,519 2 Sciences and Administration $72,764 Transportation Sciences and Technologies 28 $81,143 Physics 15 $75,68 Economics 24 Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 35
LOWEST- AND HIGHEST-EARNING MAJORS GRADUATE DEGREE HOLDERS Rank 116 124 Major Commercial Art and Graphic Design Drama and Theater Arts Median Earnings $62,751 $59,857 Agriculture and Natural Resources $65,162 126 Film, Video, and Photographic Arts $59,83 125 121 Fine Arts Music $59,83 $6,872 Architecture and Engineering 134 Studio Arts $54,96 132 Visual and Performing Arts $55,799 12 Neuroscience $6,872 Arts 18 119 Advertising and Public Relations Art and Music Education $65,162 $6,872 Biology and Life Sciences 136 Early Childhood Education $53,42 129 Elementary Education 127 General Education 122 Language and Drama Education 116 Mathematics Teacher Education $56,965 $59,732 $6,818 $62,751 Business Communications and Journalism Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics 114 Miscellaneous Education $64,14 113 Science and Computer Teacher Education $64,14 Education 112 Secondary Teacher Education $64,215 117 12 Social Sciences or History Teacher Education Special Needs Education $62,144 $6,872 Health 13 123 Teacher Education: Multiple Levels Composition and Speech $56,625 $6,818 Humanities and Liberal Arts 131 128 19 135 11 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 137 Theology and Religious Vocations Family and Consumer Sciences Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Human Services and Community Organization Psychology $56,625 $5,727 $59,732 $64,915 $53,858 $64,915 Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation Law and Public Policy Physical Sciences Psychology and Social Work 133 111 Social Work Sociology $54,893 $64,915 Social Sciences 36
Lowest- and Highest-Earning Majors Graduate Degree Holders $97, Median Earnings Major Rank $112,181 Aerospace Engineering 5 $18,63 Chemical Engineering 7 $1,618 Civil Engineering 22 $111,861 Electrical Engineering 6 $18,191 Engineering and Industrial Management 1 $16,839 Engineering Mechanics Physics and Science 11 $13,173 General Engineering 17 $113,93 Geological and Geophysical Engineering 4 $11,498 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering 19 $16,839 $15,771 $18,63 Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering Mining and Mineral Engineering 12 8 13 $98,41 Miscellaneous Engineering 26 $128,43 Petroleum Engineering 1 $97,358 Biochemical Sciences 3 $14,259 $99,536 $11,453 $97,395 $15,644 $11,498 $99,915 $1,465 $13,573 $98,394 $117,523 $128,27 Zoology 15 Business Economics 25 Finance 21 Operations Logistics and E-Commerce 29 Applied Mathematics 14 Computer Engineering 18 Computer Science 24 Statistics and Decision Science 23 Health and Medical Preparatory Programs Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration 3 2 Chemistry 16 Geosciences 27 $97,395 Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies 28 $11,453 $18,63 Physics Economics 2 9 Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 37
MAJORS RANKED BY POPULARITY BACHELOR S DEGREE HOLDERS 3 Most Popular Majors (Rank) 3 Least Popular Majors (Rank) Electrical Engineering (17) 1.68% General Engineering (23) 1.32% Mechanical Engineering (24) 1.32% Commercial Art and Graphic Design (22) 1.44% Agriculture and Natural Resources Architecture and Engineering.9% Agricultural Economics (112).6% Food Science (116).5% Architectural Engineering (122).8% Engineering and Industrial Management (114) Fine Arts (21) 1.48% Biology (14) 2.6% Accounting (3) 4.63% Business Management and Administration (1) 8.14% Finance (12) 2.33% General Business (2) 5.39% Marketing and Marketing Research (7) Communications and Mass Media (6) 3.15% 3.52% Journalism (27) 1.11% Computer Science (11) 2.43% Mathematics (3).91% Elementary Education (9) 2.79% General Education (8) 2.87% Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions (25) 1.2% Nursing (4) 4.48% Arts Biology and Life Science Business Communications and Journalism Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics Education.4% Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science (123).1% Engineering Technologies (111).3% Environmental Engineering (128).1% Geological and Geophysical Engineering (137).8% Mechanical Engineering- Related Technologies (113).2% Metallurgical Engineering (136).2% Mining and Mineral Engineering (131).4% Petroleum Engineering (124).3% Botany (129).7% Molecular Biology (115).2% Neuroscience (133).5% Applied Mathematics (119).6% Statistics and Decision Science (117).11% Science and Computer Teacher Education (18) English Language and Literature (1) 2.51%.6% Health and Medical Preparatory Programs (118) History (18) 1.64% Liberal Arts (19) 1.62% Family and Consumer Sciences (29) Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure (28) Criminal Justice and Fire Protection (13) Multi-Disciplinary or General Science (26).92%.98% 2.19% 1.14% Psychology (5) 4.4% Economics (16) 1.86% Political Science and Government (15) 1.89% Sociology (2) 1.58% Health Humanities and Liberal Arts Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation Law and Public Policy Physical Sciences Psychology and Social Work Social Science.11% Humanities (19).11% Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (11).4% Public Policy (127).4% Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (126).2% Geosciences (134).5% Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies (12).3% Oceanography (13).2% Physical Sciences (135).5% Industrial and Organizational Psychology (121).2% Social Psychology (132).4% Miscellaneous Social Sciences (125) 38 Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample.
GRADUATE DEGREE HOLDERS 3 Most Popular Majors (Rank) 3 Least Popular Majors (Rank) Electrical Engineering (13) 2.3% Agriculture and Natural Resources.6% Agricultural Economics (125) General Engineering (21) 1.37% Mechanical Engineering (18) 1.61% Biology (2) 5.49% Accounting (9) 2.86% Business Management and Administration (5) 3.94% Finance (17) 1.69% General Business (8) 2.91% Marketing and Marketing Research (25) Communications and Mass Media (16) 1.4% 1.71% Computer Science (14) 2.1% Mathematics (19) 1.61% Elementary Education (4) 3.94% General Education (3) 4.13% Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (3) Miscellaneous Health Medical Professions (23).95% 1.12% Nursing (1) 2.58% English Language and Literature (6) 3.54% History (11) 2.57% Liberal Arts (26) 1.3% Philosophy and Religious Studies (27) Criminal Justice and Fire Protection (24) 1.% 1.5% Chemistry (15) 1.92% Multi-Disciplinary or General Science (28).99% Physics (29).96% Psychology (1) 6.41% Social Work (22) 1.28% Economics (12) 2.42% Political Science and Government (7) 3.31% Sociology (2) 1.48% Architecture and Engineering Arts Biology and Life Science Business Communications and Journalism Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics Education Health Humanities and Liberal Arts Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation Law and Public Policy Physical Sciences Psychology and Social Work Social Science.8% Food Science (119).1% Forestry (18).3% Architectural Engineering (133).7%.9% Engineering and Industrial Management (122) Engineering Mechanics Physics and Science (116).6% Engineering Technologies (127).7% Environmental Engineering (123).2%.9%.3% Geological and Geophysical Engineering (137) Industrial Production Technologies (115) Mechanical Engineering- Related Technologies (132).5% Metallurgical Engineering (128).3% Mining and Mineral Engineering (136).3% Petroleum Engineering (131).1% Visual and Performing Arts (19).8% Botany (118).9% Neuroscience (112).9% Operations Logistics and E-Commerce (113).9% Applied Mathematics (111).7% Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (12).1% Miscellaneous Industrial Arts and Consumer Services (11).9% Public Policy (114).6% Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (126).5% Geosciences (129).8% Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies (117).4% Oceanography (13).3% Physical Sciences (134).6% Industrial and Organizational Psychology (124).3% Social Psychology (135).7% Miscellaneous Social Sciences (121) Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 39
HELP READING OUR CHARTS LOWEST- AND HIGHEST-EARNING MAJORS This chart shows the 3 highest paying majors and the 3 lowest paying majors. The leftmost column displays the rank of the 3 lowest paying majors among the 137 major subgroups. To the right of that column is the median annual wages (213$) of that major subgroup. The rightmost column displays the rank of the 3 highest paying majors among the 137 major subgroups. To the left of that column is the median annual wages (213$) of that major subgroup. The chart is sorted alphabetically by the 15 major groups included in the center. Each of the 15 major groups is represented by a distinct color. For example, architecture and engineering majors are red. LOWEST- AND HIGHEST-EARNING MAJORS BACHELOR S DEGREE HOLDERS Lowest- and Highest-Earning Majors Bachelor s Degree Holders Rank Major Median Earnings $48,871 $72,51 Median Earnings Major Rank 129 18 Drama and Theater Arts Fine Arts $44,538 $48,871 Agriculture and Natural Resources $9,141 Aerospace Engineering 7 Architectural Engineering 18 $8,13 113 Music $48,686 $96,156 Chemical Engineering 5 135 132 Studio Arts Visual and Performing Arts $41,762 $42,465 Architecture and Engineering $82,858 Civil Engineering 12 Electrical Engineering 6 $93,215 117 Neuroscience $48,19 $77,679 Engineering and Industrial Management 19 123 Art and Music Education $45,613 $8,787 Engineering Mechanics Physics and Science 17 137 Early Childhood Education $39,97 Arts $76,22 Environmental Engineering 22 13 Elementary Education $42,736 $8,787 General Engineering 16 125 General Education $45,572 Biology and Life Sciences $86,553 Geological and Geophysical Engineering 1 127 Language and Drama Education $45,44 $81,452 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering 14 116 Mathematics Teacher Education $48,654 Business $73,719 Industrial Production Technologies 26 119 118 Science and Computer Teacher Education Secondary Teacher Education $47,785 $48,78 Communications and Journalism $86,883 Mechanical Engineering 8 $97,743 Metallurgical Engineering 3 12 Social Science or History Teacher Education $46,68 Computers, Statistics, and Mathematics $97,372 Mining and Mineral Engineering 4 126 Special Needs Education $45,44 $76,22 Miscellaneous Engineering 23 133 Teacher Education: Multiple Levels $42,194 Education $135,754 Petroleum Engineering 1 122 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $45,654 $74,788 Business Economics 25 19 121 Art History and Criticism Composition and Speech $48,871 $46,68 Health $72,51 Finance 3 Management Information $76,924 21 Systems and Statistics 11 124 Humanities Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $48,686 $45,613 Humanities and Liberal Arts $82,858 Applied Mathematics 13 $86,553 Computer Engineering 9 131 128 Theology and Religious Vocations Family and Consumer Sciences $42,736 $44,743 Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation $82,858 Computer Science 11 $73,46 Information Sciences 27 111 136 112 134 Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Human Services and Community Organization Psychology Social Work $48,686 $41,113 $48,686 $42,194 Law and Public Policy Physical Sciences Psychology and Social Work $72,51 Mathematics 29 $77,679 Statistics and Decision Science 2 Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical $112,519 2 Sciences and Administration $72,764 Transportation Sciences and Technologies 28 115 114 Anthropology and Archeology Interdisciplinary Social Sciences $48,679 $48,679 Social Sciences $81,143 Physics 15 $75,68 Economics 24 Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. 34 35 4
r.6% Food Science (116).5% Architectural Engineering (122).8% Engineering and Industrial Management (114).4% Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science (123).1% Engineering Technologies (111).3% Environmental Engineering (128) This chart shows the 3 most common majors and 3 least common.1% Geological and Geophysical majors Engineering for Bachelor s (137) degree holders and graduate degree holders..8% Mechanical Engineering- Related Technologies (113) MAJORS RANKED BY POPULARITY.2% Metallurgical Engineering (136) The majors are sorted BACHELOR S DEGREE HOLDERS alphabetically by major group.2% Mining and Mineral Engineering The (131) leftmost column displays (displayed in the center on The rightmost column.4% Petroleum the Engineering rank of the (124) 3 most common Majors majors (Rank) among the 137 Each of the 15 major groups is 3 Least Popular Majors (Rank) each page)in a stacked column. displays the rank of the 3 3 Most Popular.3% Botany (129) least common majors by Agriculture and Electrical Engineering major subgroups. (17) 1.68% represented by a distinct color..9% the 137 Agricultural major subgroups. Economics (112) Natural Resources.7% Molecular Biology (115) General Engineering (23) 1.32%.6% Food Science (116).2% Neuroscience (133) MAJORS RANKED BY POPULARITY Mechanical Engineering (24) 1.32% Architecture and BACHELOR S DEGREE HOLDERS.5% Architectural Engineering (122).5% Applied Mathematics (119) Engineering Commercial Art and 1.44%.6% Statistics Graphic and Design Decision (22) Science (117) Fine Arts (21) 1.48%.11% Science and Computer The rank of Teacher each major Education Biology subgroup (18) (14) 2.6% is displayed in parentheses. Accounting (Rank).6% Health and Medical (3) 4.63% Preparatory Programs (118) Business Management 8.14%.11% Humanities and Administration (19) (1).11% Multi/Interdisciplinary Finance (12) 2.33% Studies (11) General Business (2) 5.39%.4% Public Policy (127) Marketing and Marketing.4% Atmospheric Research Sciences (7) 3.15% and Meteorology (126) Communications and 3.52%.2% Geosciences Mass (134) Media (6) To the immediate left (for most popular).5% or right Nuclear, (for Journalism Industrial least popular), Radiology, (27) 1.11% the and Biological Technologies (12) percentage Computer of college Science graduates (11) 2.43% with each.3% respective Oceanography Mathematics major (13) is (3) displayed..91%.2% Physical Sciences (135) Elementary Education (9) 2.79%.5% Industrial and Organizational Psychology General Education (121) (8) 2.87%.2% Social Miscellaneous Psychology Health (132) Medical Professions (25) 1.2%.4% Miscellaneous Social Sciences (125) Nursing (4) 4.48%, American Community Survey micro English data, 29-213 Language pooled sample. 2.51% and Literature (1) History (18) 1.64% Liberal Arts (19) 1.62% Family and Consumer Sciences (29) Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure (28) Criminal Justice and Fire Protection (13) Multi-Disciplinary or General Science (26).92%.98% 2.19% 38.8% Engineering and Industrial Management (114) 3 Most Popular Majors (Rank) 3 Least Popular Majors (Rank) Agriculture and Electrical Engineering (17) 1.68%.9% Agricultural Economics (112) Natural Resources General Engineering (23) 1.32% Mechanical Engineering Arts (24) 1.32% Architecture and.6% Food Science (116).5% Architectural Engineering (122) Engineering Commercial Art and.8% Engineering and Industrial 1.44% Graphic Design (22) Management (114) Fine Arts (21) 1.48%.4% Engineering Mechanics, Biology and Arts Physics, and Science (123) Biology (14) 2.6% Life Science Biology and.1% Engineering Technologies (111) Accounting (3) 4.63% Life Science.3% Environmental Engineering (128) Business Management 8.14% and Administration (1).1% Geological and Geophysical Engineering (137) Finance (12) 2.33%.8% Mechanical Engineering- General Business (2) 5.39% Marketing and Marketing Business 3.15% Research (7) Related Technologies (113).2% Metallurgical Engineering (136).2% Mining and Mineral Communications and 3.52% Mass Media (6) Engineering (131).4% Petroleum Engineering (124) Journalism (27) 1.11% Computer Science Business (11) 2.43%.3% Botany (129) Communications.7% Molecular Biology (115) Mathematics (3).91% and Journalism.2% Neuroscience (133) Elementary Education (9) 2.79% Computers, Statistics,.5% Applied Mathematics (119) General Education (8) 2.87% and Mathematics.6% Statistics and Decision Miscellaneous Health 1.2% Medical Professions (25) Science (117).11% Science and Computer Nursing (4) 4.48% Teacher Education (18) Education English Language 2.51%.6% Health and Medical and Literature (1) Preparatory Programs (118).3% Botany (129) History (18) 1.64% Health.11% Humanities (19) Liberal Arts (19) 1.62%.11% Multi/Interdisciplinary Communications Studies (11) Family and Consumer.92% Sciences and (29) Journalism Humanities and.4% Public Policy (127) Physical Fitness, Parks, Liberal Arts.98%.4% Atmospheric Sciences Recreation, and Leisure (28) and Meteorology (126) Industrial Arts, Consumer Criminal Justice Computers, and 2.19% Statistics, Services, & Recreation.2% Geosciences (134) Fire Protection (13) Law and Public Policy.5% Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Multi-Disciplinary and or Mathematics 1.14% Biological Technologies (12) General Science (26) Physical Sciences.3% Oceanography (13) Psychology (5) 4.4% Psychology and Social Work Economics (16) 1.86%.2% Physical Sciences (135) (117).5% Industrial and Organizational Political Science and 1.89% Psychology (121) Government (15) Social Science Education.2% Social Psychology (132) Sociology (2) 1.58%.4% Miscellaneous Social Sciences (125).4% Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science (123).1% Engineering Technologies (111).3% Environmental Engineering (128).1% Geological and Geophysical Engineering (137).8% Mechanical Engineering- Related Technologies (113).2% Metallurgical Engineering (136).2% Mining and Mineral Engineering (131).4% Petroleum Engineering (124).7% Molecular Biology (115).2% Neuroscience (133).5% Applied Mathematics (119).6% Statistics and Decision.11% Science and Computer Teacher Education (18).6% Health and Medical Preparatory Programs (118) Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey micro data, 29-213 pooled sample. Health Humanities and Liberal Arts Industrial Arts, Consumer Services, & Recreation Law and Public Policy 1.14% Physical Sciences MAJORS RANKED BY POPULARITY.11% Humanities (19).11% Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (11).4% Public Policy (127).4% Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (126).2% Geosciences (134).5% Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and 41 Biological Technologies (12)
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The Economic Value of College Majors can be accessed at cew.georgetown.edu/report/valueofcollegemajors THE ECONOMIC VALUE of COLLEGE MAJORS 33 Whiteheaven Street, NW, Suite 32 Washington, D.C. 27 Mail: Campus Box 571444 Washington, D.C. 257 cew.georgetown.edu