Choosing a university major is one of the biggest decisions many young adults make. But years after graduation, not everyone believes they made the right choice. A new survey suggests that career satisfaction often depends less on what students enjoyed studying and more on what happened after they entered the job market.
For international students considering universities in Indonesia or abroad, as well as expatriate families living in Bali planning for their children’s future, the findings offer a reminder that passion and employment prospects do not always go hand in hand.
According to a survey conducted by ZipRecruiter, many graduates say they regret their choice of major after experiencing the realities of salary expectations, career opportunities, and financial independence.
The survey questioned 1,500 university graduates who were actively seeking employment.
Why Graduates Change Their Minds
According to ZipRecruiter’s Chief Economist, Sinem Buber, most students genuinely enjoy their chosen field while they’re at university.
The challenge often begins after graduation.
As graduates enter the workforce, practical concerns such as income, student debt, cost of living, and career advancement frequently become more important than academic interests.
“When you’re in college, you may love what you’re studying. But once you graduate and struggle to pay your bills, salary can become much more important,” Buber told CNBC.
The findings reflect a growing conversation among career advisers worldwide, who increasingly encourage students to balance personal interests with long-term labor market demand.
The 10 College Majors Graduates Regret the Most
Based on the ZipRecruiter survey, these are the majors whose graduates most frequently said they regretted their choice:
| Rank | College Major | Graduates Who Expressed Regret |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Journalism | 87% |
| 2 | Sociology | 72% |
| 3 | Fine Arts | 72% |
| 4 | Communications | 64% |
| 5 | Education | 61% |
| 6 | Marketing Management & Research | 60% |
| 7 | Medical Assisting | 56% |
| 8 | Political Science & Government | 56% |
| 9 | Biology | 52% |
| 10 | English Literature | 52% |
Salary Isn’t the Only Factor
Career experts caution against interpreting the survey as evidence that these degrees lack value.
Many graduates from journalism, education, biology, communications, and the arts build successful and rewarding careers.
However, some professions may require additional qualifications, postgraduate study, or several years of experience before reaching higher salary levels.
In many cases, expectations formed during university differ from the realities of a competitive job market.
What Students Should Consider Before Choosing a Major
Education specialists increasingly recommend evaluating several factors before committing to a university degree, including:
- Personal interests and strengths.
- Employment demand in the chosen field.
- Long-term salary potential.
- Opportunities for career growth.
- The flexibility to work across multiple industries.
- Whether additional certifications or graduate education are commonly required.
Experts also note that rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping many industries, making adaptability and lifelong learning as important as any specific university major.
A Degree Is Only the Beginning
For students planning their future, whether in Indonesia or overseas, the survey offers an important perspective rather than a definitive ranking of “good” or “bad” degrees.
A university major can open doors, but long-term career success often depends on continuous learning, practical experience, professional networks, and the ability to adapt to a changing economy.
As workplaces evolve, graduates who combine technical knowledge with communication skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities may be better positioned to succeed, regardless of the degree printed on their diploma.