{"id":7444,"date":"2026-07-05T10:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T02:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heybali.info\/news\/?p=7444"},"modified":"2026-07-05T10:34:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T02:34:27","slug":"the-10-most-regretted-college-majors-according-to-a-graduate-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heybali.info\/news\/the-10-most-regretted-college-majors-according-to-a-graduate-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Most Regretted College Majors, According to a Graduate Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a survey conducted by ZipRecruiter<\/a><\/strong>, many graduates say they regret their choice of major after experiencing the realities of salary expectations, career opportunities, and financial independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The survey questioned 1,500 university graduates<\/strong> who were actively seeking employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Graduates Change Their Minds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to ZipRecruiter’s Chief Economist, Sinem Buber<\/strong>, most students genuinely enjoy their chosen field while they’re at university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenge often begins after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The findings reflect a growing conversation among career advisers worldwide, who increasingly encourage students to balance personal interests with long-term labor market demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 10 College Majors Graduates Regret the Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the ZipRecruiter survey, these are the majors whose graduates most frequently said they regretted their choice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rank<\/th>College Major<\/th>Graduates Who Expressed Regret<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>Journalism<\/td>87%<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Sociology<\/td>72%<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Fine Arts<\/td>72%<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Communications<\/td>64%<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Education<\/td>61%<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>Marketing Management & Research<\/td>60%<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>Medical Assisting<\/td>56%<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Political Science & Government<\/td>56%<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>Biology<\/td>52%<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>English Literature<\/td>52%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Salary Isn’t the Only Factor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Career experts caution against interpreting the survey as evidence that these degrees lack value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many graduates from journalism, education, biology, communications, and the arts build successful and rewarding careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some professions may require additional qualifications, postgraduate study, or several years of experience before reaching higher salary levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, expectations formed during university differ from the realities of a competitive job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Students Should Consider Before Choosing a Major<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Education specialists increasingly recommend evaluating several factors before committing to a university degree, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n