Avoid These 15 Degrees in the US: Government Data Warns of Poor Job Prospects and Rising Unemployment

New York: For decades, the United States has been a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education, largely driven by the belief that an American degree guarantees strong career prospects. However, new government-backed data has raised serious concerns, warning students to think twice before choosing certain subjects.

According to figures released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the value of a degree in the US today depends heavily on the field of study. With tuition costs soaring into tens of lakhs of rupees, the data highlights 15 subjects where graduates are facing high unemployment, underemployment, and weak job growth, despite holding college degrees.

Degrees With the Worst Job Outcomes in the US

The report shows that many graduates from non-technical and even some technical fields are struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications. In several cases, more than half of graduates are underemployed, meaning they are working in jobs that do not require their level of education.

Key findings include:

• Anthropology: Considered the worst-performing degree. Unemployment stands at 9.4%, with an average starting salary of around ₹37.9 lakh per year.
• Physics: The second-worst subject in terms of employment, with 7.8% unemployment, pushing many students away from the field.
• Computer Engineering: Despite a high average salary of about ₹72 lakh annually, oversupply and tech-sector layoffs have driven unemployment to 7.5%.
• Commercial Art and Graphic Design: The rise of AI tools has sharply reduced full-time jobs, leading to 7.2% unemployment.
• Fine Arts: Offers limited and unstable employment, with 7% unemployment and low starting salaries.
• Sociology: Faces 6.7% unemployment, and nearly 54% of graduates are working in roles unrelated to their degree.
• Computer Science: Once a top choice, now affected by tech layoffs, with unemployment rising to 6.1%, especially at entry level.
• Chemistry: Without specialization, job prospects remain weak, with 6.1% unemployment.
• Information Systems and Management: Hit hard during tech layoffs, recording 6.1% unemployment.
• Public Policy and Law: Shows 5.5% unemployment, with over 54% underemployment.
• Liberal Arts: Unemployment stands at 5.3%, while salaries remain relatively low.
• International Affairs: Despite strong academic value, unemployment is 4.9%, with limited job openings.
• English: Faces 4.9% unemployment, with fewer roles compared to technical fields.
• Political Science: Nearly 50.6% underemployment, making job alignment difficult.
• History: Suffers from 51.2% underemployment, with graduates struggling to secure suitable roles despite moderate salaries.

Rising Costs, Falling Returns

The data clearly indicates that not all US degrees offer strong returns on investment, especially for international students who often take heavy education loans. Experts advise students to carefully assess job market demand, specialization options, and long-term career pathways before selecting a course.

A Caution for Indian Students

With education costs in the US running into millions of rupees, this report serves as a strong warning for Indian students and their families. Choosing a degree based only on interest—without evaluating employability—can lead to financial strain and prolonged job searches.

Prospective students are strongly advised to research employment trends, immigration opportunities, and industry demand before finalizing their field of study.