“Students Shouldn’t Always Choose Higher Paying Major”, an article by The Chronicle of Education , discusses the trend of declining humanities degrees among young Americans and explores the assumption that college students are choosing majors based on potential earnings. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, which provides average wage statistics for different fields of study, is highlighted as a tool for students to make decisions about where to attend college and what to study. However, the article argues that average-wage-by-major statistics can be difficult to interpret.

Using the example of the University of California at Irvine, the article suggests that other factors may contribute to wage differences between majors. For instance, stricter academic requirements in STEM fields may attract students who are already academically prepared, while students with poor high-school science training may struggle to qualify for scientific majors. The article also points out that GPA-based major restrictions, which are common in universities, can affect the economic value of majors.

The article mentions a study conducted in Norway that found both science students who ended up studying humanities and humanities students who ended up studying science had lower wages compared to their peers who studied their preferred majors. This suggests that pushing students into majors they do not prefer can negatively impact their long-term financial outcomes.

While the article acknowledges the importance of certain high-paying majors, it advises students to prioritize their own strengths and interests rather than relying solely on average-wage-by-major statistics. It suggests that small differences in average wages should not overshadow students' understanding of their own abilities and passions. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for students to make informed decisions about college degrees, taking into account their personal goals and the societal value of various occupations.

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Citation: Bleemer, Zachary. “Students Shouldn’t Always Choose Higher Paying Major.”  The Chronicle of Education, 20 March 2023, https://www.chronicle.com/article/students-shouldnt-always-choose-higher-paying-majors