10 College Majors With the Highest Unemployment Rates

Many students seek out higher education as a means to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. While it's still true that college graduates earn significantly more than those with less education, not all majors are created equal when it comes to earning potential.

The following 10 majors currently have the highest unemployment rates, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Unemployment rate: 9.4%

Underemployment rate: 55.9%

Anthropologists are scientists who study different aspects of human societies and cultures. These professionals can work for museums, in government, at universities, and more.

Although it can be a fascinating field of study, the unemployment rate hints at a serious lack of demand for workers. Even among those who land a job, more than 50% are considered underemployed.

Unemployment rate: 7.8%

Underemployment rate: 35%

It may be surprising to see majors that technically fall under the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) umbrella on this list. However, students with just a bachelor's degree in physics have trouble finding and keeping work.

A whopping 67.9% of physics majors go on to pursue a graduate degree — a clear indicator that the jobs simply aren't there without advanced education.

On the positive side, physics majors tend to earn good money. Median pay is $70,000 for early career graduates (ages 22 to 27) and $100,000 for those in the middle of their careers (ages 35 to 45).

Unemployment rate: 7.5%

Underemployment rate: 17%

Computer engineering majors have also been struggling with high unemployment rates. That surely comes as a big shock to many students who thought a tech major was a ticket to steady employment.

Some reports suggest that employers are now looking for graduates who can think creatively and who have soft skills. Computer engineering can still be a lucrative career path; however, the average mid-career salary sits at $122,000.

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Unemployment rate: 7.2%

Underemployment rate: 34.7%

The future of graphic design is up in the air thanks to the rise of art related to artificial intelligence. That doesn't necessarily mean talented artists and designers can't pivot and land high-paying jobs, but it is a major that comes with risks.

Many graphic designers work for clients on a freelance basis. And while the gig economy has its perks, self-employed creatives sometimes must endure work droughts.

Unemployment rate: 7%

Underemployment rate: 53.4%

The "fine arts" umbrella covers a number of specialties, and students who major in fine arts can get jobs ranging from illustrators to art directors. However, finding employment in the field can be challenging.

Fine arts majors tend to earn low salaries, particularly when they are just starting their careers. The average early career salary is $42,500 a year.

Unemployment rate: 6.7%

Underemployment rate: 54.5%

Students who major in sociology study human behavior and communities. While these students tend to pick up a lot of soft skills that can be transferable, the unemployment rate remains quite high, and the underemployment rate is second to that of anthropology majors.

These students may pivot into careers in community health, human resources, and other specialties. Just under 40% with this major decide to pursue an advanced degree.

Unemployment rate: 6.1%

Underemployment rate: 16.5%

Whether it's due to the rise of AI or an oversaturation of graduates, students with computer science degrees are dealing with a tough job market, at least for now.

Although it may be tough to land a job, average pay is still better than that of many other gigs on this list. The early career average salary for computer science grads is $80,000, and at mid-career it jumps to $115,000.

Unemployment rate: 6.1%

Underemployment rate: 40.6%

As in the field of physics, those with bachelor's degrees in chemistry and no additional education also have a high rate of unemployment, and they have an even higher rate of underemployment.

It might give aspiring chemists peace of mind to know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts demand for chemists and materials scientists will grow at a healthy pace over the coming decade.

However, landing a gig might require you to earn a master's degree or a doctorate degree.

Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Underemployment rate: 28.5%

It's surprising to find information systems and management majors on this list, as the BLS projects that demand for computer and information systems managers will climb 17% in the 10 years ending in 2033.

However, as with many of the other tech-based majors, graduates may need to weather the AI shakeup.

Unemployment rate: 5.5%

Underemployment rate: 53.9%

Students who pursue a degree in this field often are interested in government jobs, whether that be at the local, state, or federal level.

While working to analyze and improve public policies and social programs can be a rewarding career path, government work is currently a bit volatile, and more than half of these graduates are considered underemployed.

Pursuing a degree in a high-demand field with a low unemployment rate is an obvious way to improve your financial fitness. However, it's hard to know which jobs will stay in demand.

After all, just a few years ago, computer science and related tech degrees were seen as sure things.

For the record, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's report shows that students who major in fields such as construction services, civil engineering, and special education have very low unemployment rates.