10 Easiest College Majors That Will Make You a Living Wage

These days, a college degree isn’t necessarily vital to get a well-paying job. However, more and more employers are raising their standards to include mandatory degrees, so even though there are good jobs that don’t require a degree, the selection of jobs opens up considerably if you have one.

The real problem is, not all college majors are created equal. In fact, no matter how well you do in college, many majors will leave you with little more than crippling student debt and no guarantee of a decent job. If you’re looking to choose a major that will set you up for success, both in terms of finding a job and making a living wage, look no further.

I’ve compiled a list of the 10 easiest college majors that will make you a living wage. From creative writing to anthropology, these majors will help you start your career on the right foot.

#1 Creative Writing

Creative writing majors focus on learning how to write compelling and original works of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. Students learn how to critically analyze their own work as well as the work of others. They also develop strong communication and research skills making this one of the easiest college majors that can also make great money!

The median annual salary for writers and authors was $69,510 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $110,810 while the bottom 10% made less than $35,560. Salaries vary depending on experience, education level, and geographic location.

Many creative writing majors go on to careers as authors, editors, or freelance writers. Others find jobs in advertising, public relations, or marketing. With a creative writing degree, the sky’s the limit!

#2 Religious Studies

With a religious studies degree, you can expect to make an average salary of $41,250 per year. That’s not bad considering the median salary for all workers is just $37,500. And if you go into a career in ministry or counseling, you can expect to make even more.

Plus, I started my career in ministry and though I am no longer involved in ministry vocationally, I can tell you from personal experience there are a hundred different directions you can take your career with training and experience in this field.

#3 Criminal Justice

A degree in criminal justice can lead to a variety of well-paying careers, such as a police officer, detective, or FBI agent. The average salary for a criminal justice major is $81,730 per year.

However, salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path. For example, police officers make an average of $65,000 per year while FBI agents make an average of $75,000 per year.

#4 Business

Business majors are some of the most in-demand and highest-paid college graduates, while also typically being one of the easiest college majors. The average starting salary for business majors is $60,000, and the mid-career salary is $96,000. Business majors can expect to make a living wage in a variety of industries, including banking, consulting, and marketing.

As a business major, you will learn essential skills that are valuable in any industry. These skills include critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication. You will also gain important knowledge about how businesses operate and how to create and sustain a successful enterprise.

You can also pursue a wide range of career paths. Many business majors go into management or executive positions. Others find success in sales, marketing, or human resources. There are also many opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses.

#5 Education

As the cost of college tuition continues to rise, many students are looking for ways to reduce the amount of debt they will have after graduation. One way to do this is by choosing a major that will lead to a high-paying job.

There are many college majors that can lead to good-paying jobs, but some are better than others. One of the easiest college majors for getting a high-paying job is an education major.

Education majors can expect to make an average salary of $57,220 per year. This is significantly higher than the average starting salary for all other majors ($35,000).

Additionally, education majors tend to have lower levels of unemployment than other majors. These factors make an education major one of the best choices for students who want to ensure they will be able to get a good-paying job after graduation.

#6 English

As an English major, you can expect to make a living wage after graduation. In fact, English majors are some of the highest-paid employees in the United States. The median salary for an English major is $51,000 per year.

However, it is important to keep in mind that your salary will vary depending on your employer and your location. For example, English majors who work in New York City or Los Angeles will likely earn more than those who work in smaller cities, so if you are in a more rural location this may not be a profitable major even though it is one of the easiest college majors.

Additionally, those who work for large corporations or non-profit organizations will also typically earn more than those who work for smaller companies.

#7 History

As a history major, you can expect to earn a living wage after graduation. The median salary for history majors is $63,940 and the top 10% of earners make an average of $118,000. With a degree in history, you will be able to find work in a variety of industries, including government, education, and nonprofit organizations. You can also pursue a career in law or business with a history degree.

History is not a degree that a ton of jobs are looking for on your resume, but it is one of the easiest college majors, and if you can find your right nice within the wide array of options available, it is a fun degree that leaves lots of options open to you later in life.

#8 Psychology

As a psychology major, you can expect to earn a living wage in a number of different settings. Clinical psychologists typically earn the highest salaries, followed by industrial-organizational psychologists and counseling psychologists.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can expect to earn an average salary of $81,040 per year with the right job placement. Furthermore, being school psychologists and child development specialists round out the top five earners in the field.

#9 Sociology

In the United States, sociology is one of the most popular and easiest college majors. With such a large number of graduates, it’s no surprise that there is a great demand for sociologists in a variety of industries. From government agencies to private corporations, businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of sociological research in understanding and predicting human behavior.

As a result, salaries for sociologists are on the rise. The median annual salary for a sociologist is $92,910 with the top 10% earning over $122,000 per year. And it’s not just experienced professionals who are seeing higher salaries; entry-level positions are also paying more than ever before.

#10 Anthropology

Now, Anthropology isn’t necessarily an easy major, but I got an anthropology and I loved every single class I took because it was so fun and fascinating which made it seem easier! And assuming you are in the United States, an anthropology major can expect to earn a median salary of around $61,910.

This is just an estimate, because your wage can vary greatly depending on specific job titles, geographical location, and other factors. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, anthropologists and archaeologists earn a median wage that is slightly higher than the national average for all occupations.

10 Easiest College Majors to Make Good Money

FAQ

What Is the Least Stressful Major In College?

Studies in this major may not be on the easiest college majors, but there is something innately beautiful and calming inherent to Music Therapy. Many people think of music only as a hobby, but I have known several friends and acquaintances that majored in Music and Music Therapy, and they have absolutely loved their career paths. Plus, being in a music therapy major is a scientifically-proven way to reduce stress and anxiety. Music therapy is used to create calm environment and help people cope with physical, emotional, and mental health problems.

What Are the Fastest and Easiest College Majors to Get a Job?

If you think our choices above do not fast enough to get you a job, here are a few options to consider:

Business Administration Major

A degree in business administration is one of the most popular and quickest ways to land a job after graduation. The skills learned in a business administration program are valuable in a wide range of industries, from small businesses to large corporations.

Most business administration programs will offer courses in finance, accounting, marketing, and management. These are all essential skills for any business professional. With a degree in business administration, you’ll be able to hit the ground running in any number of businesses.

There are many different types of jobs available for graduates with a business administration degree. Some common examples include human resources managers, marketing analysts, financial analysts, and product managers. No matter what your interests or goals are, there’s likely a role in business administration that’s perfect for you.

MBA in International Business

With an MBA in International Business, you will be prepared to get hired fast in a variety of industries and organizations, including multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.

The program offers a unique blend of coursework in business administration, economics, finance, and international relations. Students in the program will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad programs.

MBA in Information Technology

Even before graduated, there are a lot of worker demands that employ collage as a part-timer in IT field. The MBA in Information Technology program provides an integrated approach to learning that combines theory with practice. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Students in the program can choose from a variety of concentrations, including project management, information security, and data analytics.

MBA in Healthcare Management

Healthcare management is a rapidly growing field, and graduates of MBA programs are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The job market for healthcare managers is expected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

MBA programs in healthcare management typically include coursework in topics such as healthcare policy, finance, and marketing. Students also gain practical experience through internships or other hands-on learning opportunities.

Why Are Some Majors Easier to Get into?

Some majors are easier to get into because they are in high demand and there are more job openings for them. For example, majors like nursing, teaching, and engineering are always in high demand, so there are usually more job openings for these majors. I should add here, the degree plan itself is highly competitive and not all that easy to get accepted to (my brother is currently an advisor for a major medical university and he has to kick people out all the time) but, if you get into the program and get your degree, there are always rewarding and often lucrative positions available for these fields.

What Are the Easiest STEM Majors?

1. Computer Science: Computer science is one of the most popular and in-demand majors, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an easy STEM major. The coursework is relatively straightforward and there are plenty of job opportunities after graduation.
2. Mathematics: If you’re good at math, a major in mathematics can be an easy way to get into a STEM field. The coursework is mainly theoretical, so you won’t have to worry about lab work or other practical applications. And since math is such a fundamental part of so many other disciplines, there are plenty of career options available after graduation.
3. Engineering: The coursework can be challenging, but it’s also interesting and engaging. And like computer science and mathematics, there are plenty of job opportunities available after graduation.
4. Physics: The coursework covers a wide range of topics, from the very basics of physics to more advanced concepts. And as with other STEM majors, there are plenty of job opportunities available after graduation.

Which Computer Science Major Is Easiest?

Computer science majors are typically seen as some of the most difficult college majors. Assuming you want to know which computer science major will lead to the easiest path to a high-paying job, the answer is computer engineering.

This is because computer engineering majors learn how to design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture of computers and other digital devices. They also learn how to work with software applications and systems.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what the best college major is or the easiest college majors for making a living wage. The data shows that certain majors lead to higher average salaries than others, but there are many factors to consider when choosing a major.

The most important thing is to choose a major that you’re passionate about and that will lead to a career you’ll enjoy. With careful planning and execution as well as an open mind,  I can help you set yourself up for success in your chosen field through our comprehensive College Success Program complete with 1-on-1 coaching and full access to your coach when you need them!