Most regretted college degree—I need advice

Hi folks. I'm torn between so many possible directions for my studies, but I definitely don't want to end up with a degree I regret. Any thoughts on which ones are often regretted?

It's often tricky to make sweeping statements about "most regretted" degrees, since regret typically stems more from a poor match between the degree and the student's aspirations or interests rather than inherent flaws with the degree itself. However, studies do show that some fields see higher rates of regret than others.

Often, graduates in fields that are either oversaturated or lack a clear professional pathway post-graduation can express remorse. This might include degrees in the humanities and social sciences such as Anthropology, Art History, English, Psychology, Philosophy, and others. It's not that these degrees lack value—they indeed teach critical thinking, writing, and diverse perspectives. However, clear job routes aren't immediately apparent with these degrees, which can lead to initial career struggles and regret.

STEM fields, despite having relatively high employability, can also witness regret due to the rigor and selectiveness of the sector. According to a study by PayScale, some students regret pursuing degrees in Biochemistry or Biology because they didn't envision the necessity of pursuing higher education (like a PhD or professional study) to gain noteworthy roles in their field.

However, it's crucial to make decisions based on your interests and career goals, rather than general trends of regret. If you love Art History for instance, and are willing to be creative in how you apply it professionally, you might find it more fulfilling than a degree in a field that doesn't interest you as much. You can reduce your chances of regret by researching your intended field, talking to people who work in it, and gaining real-world experiences (like internships) before and during your college years. Reflect on what you want out of your career—money, impact, creativity, stability—and see which degree aligns with your goals the best.