Core Insights - The choice of bachelor's degree major significantly influences graduates' earnings potential and employment prospects, with prime-age workers (ages 25–54) earning 70% more than high school graduates and facing lower unemployment rates [1][2] Earnings and Employment Outcomes - The report categorizes 152 majors and provides insights into median earnings, graduate degree earnings premium, and unemployment rates for prime-age workers and recent graduates [2][3] - Median earnings for prime-age workers vary by major, ranging from $58,000 in education and public service to $98,000 in STEM fields [1][3] Major Trends - Over the past 15 years, there has been a significant increase in students majoring in higher-paying fields, particularly in computers, statistics, and mathematics, with degree production in these areas more than doubling since 2009 [4] - Despite the increase in graduates in STEM fields, the unemployment rate for recent graduates in computers, statistics, and mathematics is currently 6.8%, the highest within STEM [5] Graduate Degree Considerations - Workers with a graduate degree earn 29% more than those with only a bachelor's degree, but the earnings premium varies across majors [5] - Some professions require a graduate degree for career advancement, highlighting the importance of considering long-term career goals when selecting a major [5] Representation and Economic Implications - There are imbalances in representation among racial/ethnic groups in lucrative fields, with certain demographics overrepresented in STEM [6][7] - Addressing these imbalances is crucial for the nation's economic health, as better alignment between degree production and labor market needs is necessary to avoid skills shortages [7]