For decades, earning a college degree was seen as the golden ticket to job security, upward mobility, and long-term success. But new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals a more nuanced and concerning reality: not all degrees are created equal when it comes to employment—even the ones we’ve long trusted as “safe bets.”
Based on 2023 U.S. Census data, the Federal Reserve’s February 2025 report uncovers an unsettling truth: some of the most prestigious and high-earning majors are now producing some of the highest unemployment rates among recent graduates aged 22 to 27.
Let’s break down what’s really happening—and why.
🚨 Majors with the Highest Unemployment Rates
Here are the 10 undergraduate majors with the highest unemployment rates in America:
| Major | Unemployment Rate | Median Early-Career Earnings | % with Graduate Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | 9.4% | $42,000 | 46.7% |
| Physics | 7.8% | $70,000 | 67.9% |
| Computer Engineering | 7.5% | $80,000 | 40.0% |
| Commercial Art & Graphic Design | 7.2% | $48,000 | 11.3% |
| Fine Arts | 7.0% | $42,500 | 22.6% |
| Sociology | 6.7% | $45,000 | 39.7% |
| Computer Science | 6.1% | $80,000 | 32.8% |
| Chemistry | 6.1% | $55,000 | 65.5% |
| Information Systems & Management | 5.6% | $65,000 | 25.7% |
| Public Policy & Law | 5.5% | $50,000 | 45.0% |
🎓 Degrees That Sound Secure—But Aren’t
One of the most surprising insights is the inclusion of Computer Science and Computer Engineering—fields often celebrated for their high salaries and perceived tech-proof futures. Despite $80,000 median early-career earnings, these majors still see unemployment rates double the national average of 3.6% for recent grads.
Likewise, Physics and Chemistry—pillars of scientific education—are showing signs of oversupply or misalignment with current job market needs.
This is a wake-up call: having a technical or scientific degree no longer guarantees a stable job. Automation, evolving employer expectations, and saturated job markets are reshaping what it means to be “employable” in these fields.
🌐 The Broader College Job Landscape
Zooming out, here’s a look at how different majors fare in terms of employment and salary:
| Major | Unemployment Rate | Median Early-Career Earnings | % with Graduate Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Majors (Average) | 3.6% | $55,000 | 39.1% |
| Accounting | 1.9% | $60,000 | 32.9% |
| Aerospace Engineering | 1.4% | $76,000 | 51.5% |
| Agriculture | 1.2% | $50,000 | 19.9% |
| Animal & Plant Sciences | 1.0% | $43,000 | 35.6% |
| Civil Engineering | 1.0% | $71,000 | 39.9% |
| Business Analytics | 2.4% | $70,000 | 25.6% |
💡 Rethinking ROI: It’s About More Than Salary
The question facing students and parents today is not just “What pays well?” but “What survives the market?”
This doesn’t mean high-risk majors have no value. Instead, it signals the need to rethink return on investment (ROI). Passion matters—but so does market adaptability. How transferable are your skills? Are you building experience, not just academic knowledge? Do you have industry alignment?
The data shows that graduate education can help mitigate risk, especially in fields like Physics and Chemistry, where more than 65% of grads pursue advanced degrees. But not every student wants—or can afford—that path.
🔍 Final Thought: Your Degree Is a Tool, Not a Guarantee
The 2025 post-college job market isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how well your knowledge fits into today’s economic puzzle.
Some degrees that once opened every door are now producing higher-than-average unemployment. Others, once overlooked, are emerging as hidden gems.
Before you choose your major, look beyond the brochure. Consider the data. Ask the hard questions.
Because in today’s economy, success comes not just from studying hard—but from choosing smart.