Three College Majors With Declining Starting Salaries (And 4 That Are On the Rise)
When it comes to selecting a college major, students often weigh job opportunities and salary potential as two of the most important factors. While many degree paths — especially in STEM — continue to see rising demand and wages, not all fields are following that trend.
According to recent data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), some majors are experiencing a decline in projected starting salaries. These figures reflect base pay and do not include bonuses, commissions, or other compensation.
Here’s a breakdown of the three majors with declining salaries, followed by four majors where salaries are growing year over year.
📉 Majors With Declining Starting Salaries
1. Social Sciences
- 2025 Projected Salary: $67,316
- 2024 Salary: $69,802
- Change: ▼ 3.6%
Graduates in social sciences often pursue roles as political scientists, economists, sociologists, or social workers. Despite strong societal value, these roles have seen a drop in starting pay in recent projections.
2. Communications
- 2025 Projected Salary: $60,353
- 2024 Salary: $62,205
- Change: ▼ 2.9%
Communications majors frequently enter careers in public relations, corporate communications, or social media management. While these fields remain relevant, starting pay has dipped slightly over the past year.
3. Math and Sciences
- 2025 Projected Salary: $69,709
- 2024 Salary: $71,076
- Change: ▼ 1.9%
Although some roles in this field (like data science or actuarial work) pay well, others may require further education to unlock higher salaries. The overall starting salary average for math and science majors has seen a small year-over-year drop.
📈 Majors With Rising Starting Salaries
1. Agricultural and Natural Resources
- 2025 Projected Salary: $63,122
- 2024 Salary: $61,399
- Change: ▲ 2.8%
Jobs in this field include environmental engineering, agricultural technology, and food science. As industries prioritize sustainability and resource management, demand — and starting pay — is increasing.
2. Business
- 2025 Projected Salary: $65,276
- 2024 Salary: $63,907
- Change: ▲ 2.14%
From marketing to financial analysis, business graduates have a wide array of opportunities. Many of the most lucrative roles may eventually require advanced degrees, but even entry-level salaries are trending upward.
3. Computer Science
- 2025 Projected Salary: $76,251
- 2024 Salary: $74,778
- Change: ▲ 1.96%
With roles like software engineering, web development, and cybersecurity continuing to boom, computer science remains one of the most rewarding majors in terms of earning potential right out of college.
4. Engineering
- 2025 Projected Salary: $78,731
- 2024 Salary: $76,736
- Change: ▲ 2.6%
Engineering remains a high-demand field with strong starting salaries. Whether in civil, mechanical, or electrical specialties, graduates are entering a market that’s actively seeking technical expertise — and paying well for it.