Study Reveals Top College Majors for Earnings and Employment

Analysis examines employment outcomes and earning potential for recent graduates across different fields of study

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York analyzed employment and earnings data for college graduates aged 22-27, finding that while a degree still provides an edge in the job market, a student's choice of major can be even more important for career stability and income potential. The analysis ranked various college majors based on factors like unemployment rates, underemployment, and expected earnings early and mid-career.

Why it matters

The findings challenge some conventional wisdom around high-paying tech fields, showing that computer science and engineering grads face relatively high unemployment rates compared to other majors. The research provides valuable insights for students choosing a college major and highlights the importance of aligning academic pursuits with labor market realities.

The details

The New York Fed study measured employment outcomes for recent college graduates across different majors. While a college degree still confers significant benefits, the researchers found that some majors fare much better than others in terms of finding good jobs that align with their field of study. For example, the underemployment rate for criminal justice and performing arts graduates is nearly 65%, much higher than the 19% rate for computer science majors. However, computer science grads also face a higher 7% unemployment rate compared to the 4.3% national average.

  • The study analyzed data for college graduates aged 22-27.

The players

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The central banking system of the United States, which conducted the analysis on college major employment outcomes.

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The takeaway

The study's findings highlight the importance for students to carefully consider the employment prospects and earning potential of different college majors, rather than simply pursuing the most popular or prestigious fields. By aligning academic interests with labor market realities, students can improve their chances of finding stable, well-paying jobs after graduation.