Degrees Facing the Toughest Job Market: Which College Majors Have the Highest Unemployment Rates?

Investopedia

Lucy Lazarony
May 2, 2026
Key Takeaways
  • If your college major has a high unemployment rate, it may be more difficult to land a full-time job in your field after graduation.
  • Be flexible, stay open to all job opportunities, and don’t get tied to a “dream job.”
  • If you don’t have any full-time experience to promote on your resume, highlight your volunteer work, internships, and part-time employment.
For success in the job market, your college major can have a big impact, determining how much you’re paid and your likelihood of getting a job.
The job market has been especially challenging for recent graduates facing higher unemployment rates than other workers.1 In addition, some majors, like computer science, which have historically led to high-paying careers, have had some of the highest unemployment rates.
According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, these were the majors with the highest unemployment rates:

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