Most regretted and lowest paying college majors?

Hey everyone, as I'm diving into the process of choosing a major, I want to be strategic about my future. Not only do I want to enjoy my adult life, I want to secure a decent salary after I graduate. What are some of the most regretted and lowest paying college majors that I should potentially avoid?

Certainly, it's important to think about the potential return on investment when choosing a college major. While money isn't everything, it's important to be informed about the potential job prospects and salaries associated with different disciplines.

There are two key things to remember: First, the specific job you go into can significantly impact your salary, so saying that whole majors are underpaid might be a bit of an overstatement. Second, salary isn't the only thing to consider. Many people go into fields that they're passionate about, even if the pay isn't as high as in other fields.

That said, according to many studies and surveys, the majors that tend to have lower starting and mid-career salaries and a higher percentage of alumni regret include:

1. Education: Although teaching is a noble and extremely important profession, many educators don't earn high salaries compared to other professions.

2. Fine Arts: Artists often struggle to find jobs directly related to their major, and those that do often face low initial salaries.

3. Social Work: Similar to education, social work is another field that is incredibly transformative but underpaid.

4. Psychology: While a fascinating study field, many jobs in psychology require advanced degrees, and those with just a Bachelor's degree may struggle to find high-paying jobs in the field.

5. Exercise Science: Graduates often find that the top jobs in this field go to those with advanced degrees.

6. Anthropology: Jobs related directly to this major tend to be scarce and not highly paid unless a graduate degree is attained.

7. Culinary Arts: The food industry is tough and often doesn't provide high wages, especially for those just starting their careers.

Please keep in mind that these majors could still lead to fulfilling careers. In terms of regret, many students regret their major choice due to a lack of job opportunities or low salaries, but a considerable amount of regret also comes from a lack of interest in their field after they start working in it. So, while these majors may have greater proportions of alumni regret, if you're truly passionate about the subject, you might not fall into the regret category with your fellow alumni.

Remember to look at more than just potential salary when choosing a major. Consider what you're passionate about, what courses you excel in, what kind of lifestyle you want after graduation, and what kinds of jobs align with your values and skills. Thorough research, internships, and practical experience through summer jobs or volunteering can provide valuable insights.