$100,000 In Tuition For A $40,000 Salary? These College Degrees Have The Worst Financial Return

Going to college is often seen as the path to a better financial future. But for some degrees, the return on investment may not justify the cost. Certain college majors leave graduates earning well below the national median wage — despite a four-year degree that may cost upwards of $100,000.

The Education Data Initiative estimates the average total cost of attendance at a public in-state four-year college is over $108,000. At private nonprofit universities, that figure rises to more than $234,000. Yet five years after graduation, some degree holders are earning just $40,000 per year.

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The 10 Lowest-Paying College Majors

Not all college majors lead to high-paying careers. While fields like engineering or finance can offer strong salaries early on, others lag behind. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that graduates in liberal arts and education fields often see the lowest early-career earnings — many below the U.S. median wage of $48,060.

Here are the 10 undergraduate majors with the lowest median annual salaries for full-time workers aged 22 to 27:

• Foreign Language – $40,000
• General Social Sciences – $41,000
• Performing Arts – $41,900
• Anthropology – $42,000
• Early Childhood Education – $42,000
• Family & Consumer Sciences – $42,000
• General Education – $42,000
• Miscellaneous Biological Science – $42,000
• Social Services – $42,000
• Theology & Religion – $42,000

These figures represent full-time workers only and exclude students still in school.

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The Earnings Gap Grows Over Time

Unfortunately, the wage gap doesn't close as graduates get older. For example, early childhood education majors — who earned $42,000 at the start of their careers — are earning just $49,000 between ages 35 and 45. That's just $8,000 more after roughly two decades in the workforce.

Even mid-career, many education and social service-related degrees remain among the lowest earners:

• Early Childhood Education – $49,000
• Elementary Education – $53,000
• Social Services – $54,000
• Special Education – $55,000

By Comparison: Business and Finance Degrees Pay Off

Contrast that with degrees in business or finance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for business and financial operations occupations was $79,050 in 2023. Management occupations had an even higher median: $116,880.

Many roles in these fields also show fast employment growth through 2033. For instance:

• Medical and Health Services Managers – Median wage: $110,680
• Financial Managers – $156,100
• Personal Financial Advisors – $99,580
• Management Analysts – $99,410

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Is the Degree Worth the Debt?

It's important to weigh potential earnings against education costs. The Education Data Initiative reports that students graduating in six years — which is more common than four — can spend nearly $230,000 on college. That doesn't include lost wages from not working full time or the interest on student loans, which can add thousands more.

Choosing a college major isn't just about passion — it can have long-term financial consequences. While not every decision should be made based on salary, understanding the potential return on investment is a key part of planning for the future.

Before committing to a degree, consider researching salaries in your intended field and exploring options like scholarships, public schools, or accelerated programs to reduce your overall cost.

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