Best College Majors for Jobs 2025: Highest Placement Rates and Salaries

Choosing the right major can significantly impact your career prospects. Here are the best college majors for jobs in 2025.

Healthcare Leads the Way

Nursing ranks number one overall with just a 1.42% unemployment rate and high national demand. There is a significant nursing shortage creating strong opportunities with low layoff rates.

The US economy added 902,000 healthcare and social assistance jobs last year. Healthcare employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

STEM Fields Dominate

STEM and healthcare comprise half of the top 20 majors for employment. Computer Science shows expected 17% growth from 2023 to 2033 - one of the fastest-growing fields.

Top Paying STEM Majors

Computer Engineering leads with $138,080 median salary, followed by Computer Science at $145,080 and Aerospace Engineering at $130,720.

Average Starting Salaries by Field

Surprising Performers

Art history (3% unemployment), nutritional sciences (0.4% unemployment), and philosophy degrees outperformed both finance (3.7%) and computer science (6.1%) for employment prospects according to the New York Fed.

Education Opportunities

There is a national shortage of qualified teachers, especially in STEM subjects and special education. States are offering loan forgiveness and fast-track certifications to attract new graduates.

Cybersecurity Demand

As the world becomes increasingly digital, demand for cybersecurity and IT professionals continues to rise.

Current Market Conditions

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports job opportunities deteriorated in early 2025. Recent college graduate unemployment jumped to 5.8% - the highest since 2021. Choosing the right major is more important than ever.

How DeepCampus Helps

Our career tools help you explore majors, compare salary outcomes, and find universities with strong job placement records.