10 College Majors with Lowest Unemployment Rates

People-focused fields like nursing and education top the list, though pay lags behind

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that college majors focused on direct, face-to-face work like nursing, education, and social services had the lowest unemployment rates among recent graduates in 2024. While these majors offered more job security, many also came with below-average early-career salaries compared to the $58,000 median.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the trade-offs recent graduates face when choosing a college major - prioritizing job stability over higher pay. The data also reflects broader hiring trends favoring roles that require in-person interaction, driven in part by the nation's aging population and growing demand for healthcare and social services.

The details

The New York Fed study examined outcomes for 73 different college majors using 2024 Census data. Four of the 10 majors with the lowest unemployment were in education, led by special education at 0.7%. Other people-facing fields like social services (1.9%) and nursing (2.1%) also had very low jobless rates compared to the 4.2% overall average for recent college grads. However, 8 of the 10 lowest-unemployment majors earned below the $58,000 median early-career wage, with special education and social services majors earning around $46,000 and $43,000 respectively. Nursing ($70,000) and engineering technologies ($65,000) were exceptions, combining low unemployment with above-average pay.

  • The New York Fed analysis reflects 2024 labor market conditions.
  • The health care and social assistance sector has accounted for nearly all private-sector job growth over the past year.

The players

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The regional Federal Reserve bank that conducted the analysis of college major unemployment and underemployment rates.

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal statistical agency that provided the 2024 data used in the New York Fed's study.

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The takeaway

The data shows that while people-focused majors like nursing and education offer more job stability, there is often a trade-off in terms of lower early-career salaries compared to more technical fields. This highlights the complex calculus recent graduates must consider when choosing a college path that balances their interests, job prospects, and long-term earning potential.