52 College Majors With Starting Pay Below the US Average

Core Insights - College graduates with certain majors, particularly pharmacy, have starting salaries below the national median, which raises questions about the value of a bachelor's degree in today's job market [1] - Despite lower starting salaries, college graduates generally earn more over their careers compared to those without degrees, with mid-career earnings significantly higher than the median for all workers [1] Salary Insights - Pharmacy majors have the lowest starting salary at $40,000, but their mid-career earnings can rise to about $85,000, with over two-thirds pursuing graduate degrees [1] - Seven college majors show little wage growth, with mid-career salaries remaining below the national median of $63,360 [1] - The median wage for a worker with a bachelor's degree in 2024 is approximately $87,000, which is nearly $24,000 more than the overall median wage for full-time workers [1] Educational Trends - An increasing number of high school graduates are questioning the value of a bachelor's degree, opting instead for trade schools or immediate employment [1] - Engineering and technology majors are notably absent from the list of degrees with starting wages below the national median, indicating a potential shift in job market demand [1]