10 Easiest College Majors That Will Make You a Living Wage

Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming.

Many students searching for the easiest college majors aren’t looking for the “perfect” major. They’re looking for a major that is manageable, interesting, and capable of leading to a stable career after graduation.

As a coach who works with college students and young adults, I’ve noticed that many people spend months stressing over choosing the right major. While your major matters, it is rarely the only factor that determines your future success.

Some of the most successful people I’ve worked with chose majors that weren’t considered prestigious at all. What mattered more was how they developed skills, built relationships, gained experience, and created opportunities after college.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the easiest college majors that can still help you earn a living wage after graduation. If you’re searching for the easiest college majors that still offer strong career opportunities, these ten options are worth considering.

Before You Choose One of the Easiest College Majors

Many students search for the easiest college majors because they’re:

• Worried about failing
• Unsure what career they want
• Feeling pressure from parents
• Concerned about student debt
• Afraid of making the wrong decision

Those concerns are completely understandable.

But here’s something important:

Choosing the easiest major won’t automatically make college easier.

A major that aligns with your interests and strengths often feels easier than a major someone else tells you is practical.

Before deciding, ask yourself:

• What subjects naturally interest me?
• What kind of work environment do I want?
• What skills come naturally to me?
• What problems do I enjoy solving?

Those questions often matter more than choosing the “easiest” option. But on to the list!

#1 Creative Writing

Creative Writing is often considered one of the easiest college majors for students who enjoy reading, storytelling, and communication. 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 $72,270 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $133,680 while the bottom 10% made around $41,080. 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 $50,000-70,000 per year. That’s not bad considering the median salary for all workers is just $40,050. 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

Criminal Justice is frequently listed among the easiest college majors because many students find the coursework engaging and practical. 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 $75,000, 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.

Still Unsure Which Major Is Right For You?

Many students aren’t struggling with information.

They’re struggling with confidence and clarity.

Learn more about my Young Adult Coaching Program and discover how to make major life decisions with confidence. Now, back to the list!

#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 $60,000 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 $70,000 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

Psychology remains one of the most popular and easiest college majors for students interested in human behavior. 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 $94,310 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 $101,690 with the top 10% earning over $168,000 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 $64,910.

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.

The Real Secret to Success Beyond the Easiest College Majors

Here’s something I wish more students understood:

Your major matters.

But your major alone does not determine your future.

I’ve worked with young adults who had excellent degrees but no direction.

I’ve also worked with young adults whose degrees weren’t particularly impressive on paper but who built incredible careers because they developed confidence, communication skills, and a clear plan.

Success usually comes from:

• Self-awareness
• Consistent effort
• Strong relationships
• Good decision-making
• Adaptability

Those skills matter regardless of your major.

Not Sure Which of the Easiest College Majors Is Right for You?

Many students aren’t actually struggling with choosing a major.

They’re struggling with:

• Fear of making the wrong decision
• Lack of confidence
• Pressure from family
• Uncertainty about the future
• Feeling stuck without a clear direction

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

One of the biggest breakthroughs many students experience is realizing they don’t need to have every detail of their future figured out right now.

What they need is clarity about the next step.

Related Articles

If you’re trying to find direction, these resources may help:

• 8 Ways to Succeed in College
• Unmotivated Young Adults and What to Do About It
• Self Talk: How Our Inner Narrative Impact Our Ability to Succeed
• Stuck in Your 20s? Why It’s Normal (and how to Move Forward)

Young Adult Coaching

Choosing a major is only one piece of building a successful future.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step, my Young Adult Coaching Program helps students and young professionals gain clarity, confidence, and direction.

Through one-on-one coaching, we help young adults:

• Discover their strengths
• Set meaningful goals
• Build confidence
• Create a plan for the future
• Develop habits for long-term success

👉 Learn More About Young Adult Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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?

While STEM majors are generally more challenging than many non-STEM majors, some students find computer science or mathematics more approachable because they align with their strengths and interests.

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.

Is it okay to choose one of the easiest college majors?

Yes. The best major is one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals; not necessarily the hardest one.

What if I choose the wrong major?

Many students change majors, and many professionals work in careers unrelated to their degree. Your major influences your future, but it does not permanently determine it.

Which college majors make the most money?

Engineering, computer science, healthcare, and finance-related majors often produce some of the highest average salaries. However, earnings vary widely based on industry, experience, and location.

Do employers care about your major?

Some careers require specific degrees, but many employers care more about skills, experience, communication ability, and problem-solving.

How do I know which major is right for me?

Start by identifying your interests, strengths, values, and long-term goals. Speaking with a coach, mentor, or career counselor can also help provide clarity.

Can a life coach help me choose a college major?

A coach can help you understand your strengths, values, interests, and goals so you can make a more confident decision about your future direction. While a coach won’t choose for you, they can help you gain clarity and confidence in the process.

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!