Scholarships

How to choose the right college major for you


Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.

Enter $2,000 scholarship

Key takeaways about choosing a college major

  • Start with yourself. Your interests, talents, and values can help point you toward a major and career path.
  • Embrace exploration. Starting undecided or changing majors is common, and college is a great time to try new things and see what piques your interest.
  • Connect majors to careers. Research the jobs, industries, internships, and graduate school paths commonly tied to the majors you're considering.
  • Compare the full cost against future earning potential. Future income and job outlook matter, especially if you plan to borrow money for college. Tuition, fees, housing, books, and living expenses can also affect the return on your degree.
  • Weigh your options. A side-by-side comparison of majors can help you weigh personal enjoyment, career opportunities, skill alignment, and academic rigor.

Choosing a college major can feel like a huge, rest-of-your-life altering decision, but it doesn't mean you need to have your whole future laid out. While it may not be as simple as the famous "choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" proverb makes it out to be, in reality, most majors don't dictate your career—and you can always switch majors if your heart's not in it.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
Enter $2,000 scholarship

While your major might affect the classes you take, the skills you build, and the career paths you end up exploring, it doesn’t lock you into one job forever, and most skills are transferable.

If you’re asking yourself what should I major in, start by looking at the big picture: what you enjoy, what you’re good at, what careers interest you, what those careers may pay, and how much your degree may cost.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you think through your options and choose a major with more confidence.

Why choosing the right major matters

Your major can shape your time at college in a lot of ways. For starters, it will determine much of your day-to-day academic experience. Think: the types of classes you take, skills you develop, assignments you're given, and your overall workload.

Your major can also help you realize your future success. Sallie Mae’s "How America Succeeds After College 2025" found that among recent grads who felt successful, 80% had a career goal in mind before enrolling. Having a general idea of where you want to land after college can help you choose classes, internships, and extracurriculars that support your goals.

Job opportunities are also an important consideration, as different fields have varying degrees of job demand. According to the 2025 study, 82% of recent grads are employed, and 74% work in a field related to their degree. That’s a good reminder that the major you choose can help open doors and provide job security and stability. 

Not only that, but starting salaries and earning potential differ from major to major. That matters because college is a major investment. If you borrow for school, your future income can affect how easily you manage your student loan debt after graduation.

Still, your major is only one part of your story. Internships, networking, location, and graduate school can all shape where you go next.

Step-by-step: How to choose a college major

Step 1: Identify your interests and strengths

Start with what you already know about yourself. Think about the classes, activities, and topics that interest you, and the skills people often notice in you. Ask yourself:

  • Which classes do I enjoy, even when they’re challenging?
  • What topics do I like learning about outside of school?
  • What kinds of problems do I enjoy solving?
  • Do I prefer writing, building, researching, designing, analyzing, or helping people?
  • What do teachers, friends, or family members say I’m good at?

The right major for you will feel like a natural fit—it should connect what you like, what you’re willing to work hard at, and what might lead you to good job opportunities you’re passionate about.

And don’t limit yourself to subjects you took in high school. College can introduce you to majors you may not have heard about before, like environmental engineering, exercise science, and viticulture and enology (the study of grape growing and wine making!).

Step 2: Explore career paths

Once you have a few interests in mind, connect them to real career possibilities. For each major you're considering, research:

  • Common jobs for graduates
  • Industries that hire people with that degree

  • Whether graduate school is usually required

  • Certifications or licenses you may need

  • Internship opportunities connected to the field

  • How flexible the major is if your goals change

And don't just stop at job titles. Look into what the work is actually like: read job descriptions, connect with people in the field, and ask what a typical workday is like. You may like the idea of a career but not the day-to-day tasks that come with it.

It can also help to visit your school's career center. Sallie Mae’s "How America Succeeds After College 2025" found that fewer than 4 in 10 recent grads used their school’s career resources. But among those who did, 82% secured a first job in their field of study. 

Step 3: Research salary and job outlook

As the saying goes, money isn't everything—but it's still important to consider. Your future income can influence where you live, how quickly you're able to pay down student loan debt, and your overall livelihood. As you research, take a look at:

  • Typical starting salaries
  • Mid-career earning potential
  • Unemployment and underemployment rates for recent graduates
  • Projected job growth and demand
  • Whether the field is changing because of automation, AI, and new technologies

Some majors may have high average salaries but come with demanding responsibilities, stressful work environments, or a highly competitive job market. Others may offer lower pay but strong job stability and higher satisfaction or flexibility. A major that balances your interests with the lifestyle you want might make you happier than one chosen on salary alone.

Step 4: Consider the cost of your degree

The cost of a major is not always the same as the cost of college. Some majors require additional fees, lab equipment, specialized software, or extra semesters. Others may require graduate school before you can qualify for the career you want. You'll want to take into account:

  • Tuition and fees at the school you plan to attend
  • Whether the major has additional costs
  • Whether switching into or out of the major could delay your graduation
  • Whether graduate school is expected or required
  • How much financial aid you may receive
  • Whether internships are paid or unpaid

This is where return on investment (ROI) comes into play. Before committing to a major, consider the ROI for your degree by comparing potential costs with likely financial outcomes. A simple question can help: “Based on my education costs, will this degree provide me with a career path to recoup my investment and repay my loans after graduation?”

Trust us, it helps to talk numbers. Sallie’s "How America Plans for College 2026" found that fewer than 4 in 10 families had discussed average salaries in the student’s field of interest. Even fewer had talked about potential earnings compared with education cost or average student debt in that field. These conversations can help you make an informed choice.

Step 5: Think about lifestyle and work environment

Beyond just salary and job title, consider the type of work you'd enjoy day in, day out. Perhaps you're a people person who thrives on connection and communication, or maybe you prefer heads-down work like writing, coding, or analyzing data.

Think about whether you’d prefer a predictable or highly dynamic schedule, remote, hybrid, or in-person roles, independent or team-based work, and relaxed, steady workflows or a fast-paced environment. Every career path comes with trade-offs, so don't forget to factor in your preferred pace of life and work-life balance when making a decision.

Step 6: Narrow down your options

A simple side-by-side worksheet can help you compare the trade-offs and select a major with confidence.

After you've done your research, narrow your list down to two or three majors. Then use the worksheet to compare them side by side. Add one major to each column. For each factor, give the major a simple score from 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “not a strong fit” and 5 meaning “very strong fit.” You can also add a short note to explain your score.

The major with the highest score may be a strong option, but it doesn’t have to be the automatic winner. Pay attention to which factors matter most to you.

College major comparison worksheet

Factor

Major option 1

Major option 2

Major option 3

Interest level

      

SKILLS fit

      

Career paths

      

Salary potential

      

Job outlook

      

Degree cost

      

Time to graduate

      

Graduate school needed?

      

Lifestyle fit

      

Flexibility if I change my mind

      

What if I don't know what to major in?

If you don't know what to major in, you're not behind. Many students start college undecided, and many others change majors after taking classes or gaining experience.Here are some tips to move forward:

  • Start undeclared or exploratory. Some colleges let students begin as undeclared, undecided, or exploratory. This gives you time to complete gen ed requirements while trying out different subjects and taking intro classes.
  • Talk to advisors, professors, and the career center. Advisors can explain degree requirements and timelines to keep you on track. Professors and department heads can describe curriculum and coursework. Career services offers mentoring, alumni engagement, and career pathways.
  • Try real-world experiences. Internships, student clubs, and volunteering can help you discover your interests and "try on" a career.
  • Look for flexible majors. If you’re undecided, consider majors that build broad skills and leave room for electives or minors. Depending on the school, options may include business, communications, liberal arts, or social sciences like economics or psychology.
Scholly Scholarships

Find scholarships that are right for you

Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Find scholarships now

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a major

Choosing a major is easier when you know what to watch out for:

  • Choosing only based on salary. A high-paying career may sound appealing, but salary isn’t the whole picture.
  • Ignoring salary completely. You don’t have to choose the highest-paying major, but future income matters—especially if you plan to borrow for college.
  • Deferring to others. Parents, friends, and teachers may offer helpful advice, but you really are your own best advocate.
  • Overlooking hiring trends. The job market is constantly changing—some fields are growing, while others are becoming increasingly competitive. Keep tabs on in-demand majors (and those with the highest unemployment rates).
  • Biting off more than you can chew. A major may sound cool until you review the heavy course load and long study hours. Understand the requirements before you commit.
  • Waiting too long to plan. Exploration is healthy, but some majors have strict course sequences. Check in with an advisor on your timeline so you don't fall behind.

Should I choose a major based on salary?

Salary should certainly be a part of the conversation because, well, college is expensive, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor. A balanced approach is key here. Consider your values, skills, and interests in addition to factors like earning potential, job outlook, and ROI, and you'll be better suited to make a thoughtful, measured decision on your major.

How your major impacts paying for college

Your major can affect how you think about paying for college in three main ways.

First, it can influence future income. If your major typically leads to higher starting salaries, you may have an easier time repaying loans. If it leads to lower starting salaries, you may need to be especially careful about borrowing.

Second, it can affect how long you are in school. Some majors require strict course sequences, clinical hours, or prerequisite chains. Changing majors late or missing required courses may add semesters, which can increase costs.

Third, it can affect whether you need more education. Some careers require graduate or professional school, which may mean more tuition and more time before full-time earnings begin.

Before choosing a major, estimate your total college cost, expected aid, likely borrowing, and possible starting salary. Even a rough estimate can help narrow things down.

Students can look for ways to reduce costs by applying for scholarships, grants, student loans, and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to qualify for any available federal, state, and eligible institutional aid.

You can get started with some of Sallie's quick-entry opportunities, like $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships, which lets you apply to multiple scholarship opportunities in two minutes or less.

Tools and resources to help you decide

Helpful resources include:

  • Career quizzes to identify interests and strengths
  • Scout College Search to help you find and compare schools based on tuition costs, fees, and majors
  • Academic advisors to explain requirements and timelines
  • Career services to connect majors with jobs and internships
  • Labor market data to research salary and job outlook
  • A-Z college majors list to learn what different majors involve
  • Scholarships by major guide to find financial aid awards in your field
  • Alumni networks to learn what graduates actually do for work

Final thoughts

Choosing a college major is important, but it doesn't define your future. There are many successful people out there with careers completely unrelated to their college majors. Think of it as an opportunity to explore your interests, strengths, and values, rather than a bunch of job titles.

Your interests and goals may evolve over time, too, and that's natural. It's all about the process of discovery. Do your research, look closely at costs, and talk to advisors and professionals in fields that you like. Use internships and student-run organizations to test the waters.

Then compare your options, and come to a decision based on your own learnings, personal goals, and natural talents.

FAQs about choosing a major

How do I choose the right college major?

Choose a college major by comparing your interests, strengths, career goals, salary potential, degree cost, and preferred lifestyle. Research required courses and job outcomes before deciding.

What if I don’t know what I want to major in?

It's perfectly okay to start undecided. Take introductory courses, meet with advisors, visit career services, and try internships or student organizations to explore your options.

Should I choose a major based on salary?

Salary should be one factor, not the only factor. Consider whether the major also fits your personality, capabilities, career goals, and budget.

How important is my major for my career?

Your major matters more for some careers than others. Technical, licensed, or specialized careers often require specific coursework. Many other careers value transferable skills and experience.

Can I change my major in college?

Yes, many students change majors. Changing early is usually easier than changing late, especially if the new major has strict prerequisites or course sequences.

What are the best majors for undecided students?

The best majors for undecided students are often flexible programs that build broad skills and leave room for electives, minors, or concentrations. Options may include business, communications, psychology, or liberal arts. 

How do I know if a major is right for me?

A major may be a good fit if you are intrigued by the subject, can handle the coursework, see realistic career options, and understand the financial trade-offs.

What factors should I consider when choosing a major?

Consider interests, strengths, required courses, job outlook, salary potential, degree cost, time to graduate, graduate school requirements, and lifestyle fit.

Does my major affect how much student debt I can handle?

Yes. Your major can influence future income, which affects how manageable student loan payments may feel. It is important to compare expected borrowing with realistic earnings.

Is it okay to choose a major I enjoy even if it pays less?

Yes. Enjoyment and purpose matter. Just make sure you understand the financial realities, look for ways to reduce college costs, and build skills that can support your career goals.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
Learn more

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.