College Grads With These Majors Face Toughest Job Market

Anthropology, physics, and fine arts among degrees with highest unemployment rates

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Recent college graduates with degrees in fields like anthropology, physics, computer engineering, commercial art and graphic design, and fine arts may face the toughest job market, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Experts say these majors often lack specialized skills or face limited demand, while industries like healthcare and engineering have seen stronger, more stable growth.

Why it matters

The job market has been especially challenging for recent college graduates, who often face higher unemployment rates than other workers. The major a student chooses can have a big impact on their job prospects and earning potential after graduation.

The details

According to the Federal Reserve data, the college majors with the highest unemployment rates are anthropology (9.4%), physics (7.8%), computer engineering (7.5%), commercial art and graphic design (7.2%), and fine arts (7%). In contrast, majors like nutrition science (0.4%), construction services (0.7%), special education (1%), civil engineering (1%), and animal and plant sciences (1%) have much lower unemployment rates. Experts say the higher unemployment for liberal arts majors may stem from a lack of specialized skills, while sectors like healthcare and engineering have seen stronger, more stable growth.

  • The job market data is from 2026.

The players

Priya Rathod

Workplace trends editor at Indeed.

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What they’re saying

“For grads with majors tied to higher unemployment rates like anthropology, fine arts, or graphic design, the key is to stay flexible and focus on building transferable skills. Think communication, problem solving, project management, or customer service. These soft skills are often the secret sauce that helps new grads stand out and stay marketable across industries.”

— Priya Rathod, Workplace trends editor (Indeed)

“Internships, part-time jobs, freelance work, and volunteer experiences are all valuable ways to grow your resume and expand your network—especially in fields where entry-level roles are more limited or hiring cycles move more slowly.”

— Priya Rathod, Workplace trends editor (Indeed)

“For all college grads, the first job out of school isn't always the 'dream job'—and that's OK. Remember: Your major is a starting point, not a limitation. A strategic, flexible approach can unlock opportunities across industries.”

— Priya Rathod, Workplace trends editor (Indeed)

The takeaway

College graduates with majors that have high unemployment rates, such as anthropology, physics, and fine arts, may need to be more flexible in their job search and focus on building transferable skills to stand out to employers across industries. Gaining relevant experience through internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work can also help compensate for a lack of full-time experience in their field.