The Best and Worst College Degrees for Employment in 2025
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Choosing a college major has always been a balancing act between passion and practicality — and in 2025, that decision has never mattered more. With updated data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, recent graduates are seeing vastly different outcomes depending on their field of study.
While some degrees are almost recession-proof, others are struggling to deliver on their career promises.
The 20 Worst College Degrees for Employment in 2025
Ranked by highest unemployment rate:
- Anthropology – 9.4%
- Physics – 7.8%
- Computer Engineering – 7.5%
- Commercial Art & Graphic Design – 7.2%
- Fine Arts – 7.0%
- Sociology – 6.7%
- Chemistry – 6.1%
- Computer Science – 6.1%
- Information Systems & Management – 5.6%
- Public Policy & Law – 5.5%
- Liberal Arts – 5.3%
- Miscellaneous Technologies – 5.0%
- International Affairs – 4.9%
- English Language – 4.9%
- Economics – 4.9%
- Political Science – 4.7%
- Industrial Engineering – 4.6%
- History – 4.6%
- Communications – 4.5%
- Journalism – 4.4%
These fields often suffer from saturated job markets, loosely defined career paths, or volatile industries. Even majors once considered "safe" — like computer science or physics — are showing signs of strain, largely due to tech-sector layoffs and automation trends.
The 10 Best College Degrees for Employment in 2025
Ranked by lowest unemployment rate:
- Nutrition Sciences – 0.4%
- Construction Services – 0.7%
- Animal and Plant Sciences – 1.0%
- Civil Engineering – 1.0%
- Special Education – 1.0%
- Agriculture – 1.2%
- Early Childhood Education – 1.3%
- Aerospace Engineering – 1.4%
- Nursing – 1.4%
- Earth Sciences – 1.5%
These degrees offer more direct pipelines into stable careers. Many involve hands-on or care-oriented work, which is harder to outsource or automate. Some, like civil and aerospace engineering, continue to provide high job security paired with strong starting salaries.
Key Takeaways
- STEM degrees are not equally secure. Engineering and health fields remain strong, but others like physics and computer engineering show rising unemployment.
- Education and service-related fields offer surprisingly strong job stability, though often with lower early-career pay.
- Degrees tied to tangible industries — such as agriculture, construction, and nursing — are in demand and resilient.
What This Means for Students
If you're selecting a major or considering a change:
- Pair your studies with marketable skills, such as data analysis, coding, or project management.
- Look for degrees with clearly defined career pathways and internships built into the curriculum.
- Stay flexible and consider certificate programs or graduate school where applicable.
- Research your field’s employment trends, not just average salaries.
Final Thoughts A college education is still one of the most effective paths to long-term employment and earning potential. But in 2025, not all degrees are created equal. By understanding which majors are most and least likely to lead to employment, students can make smarter, more future-proof choices.
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