The easiest college majors in 2024
The majors with the highest average GPA are “group” studies (like gender, area, and ethnic studies), anthropology, and English.
Popular opinion on internet forums indicates that the easiest majors are communications, business, and sociology.
What constitutes an easy major depends on your own interests, aptitude, and motivation, as well as individual programs’ rigor.
Not everyone has the grades to become a doctor or an engineer.
But that doesn’t mean college isn’t worth it. A bachelor’s degree continues to be a worthwhile investment for most students, leading to considerably higher average earnings later in life than people with just a high school diploma.
If you know you need a bachelor’s, but you’re struggling to keep your grades up, you may be searching for the easiest majors in college.
While what makes a major “easy” is subjective, we have some insights that may help you make the most out of college as an average student.
Read on to discover the easiest college majors by average GPA and public opinion. We also explore some easy-ish majors with high pay – so you can graduate college and land a solid job without too much stress.
The 15 easiest majors in college – by average GPA
In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, collected GPA data on over 17 million students pursuing 45 different majors.
The study showed that the majors with the highest average GPA were “group” studies (like area studies, gender studies, or ethnic studies), anthropology, and English.
We show the 15 majors with the highest average GPAs below.
| Major | Average GPA |
|---|---|
| Area, ethnic, cultural, gender, and group studies | 3.35 |
| Anthropology | 3.35 |
| English language and literature/letters | 3.35 |
| Foreign languages and literatures | 3.32 |
| International relations and affairs | 3.31 |
| Military Technologies | 3.3 |
| Theology and religious vocations | 3.3 |
| Mathematics and statistics | 3.29 |
| Economics | 3.29 |
| Culinary, entertainment, and personal services | 3.28 |
| Construction trades | 3.27 |
| Philosophy and religious studies | 3.27 |
| Political science and government | 3.27 |
| Precision production | 3.24 |
| Multi/interdisciplinary studies | 3.24 |
Source: IPEDS data
Meanwhile, the majors with the lowest average GPA were:
- Communications technology (2.96 average GPA)
- Liberal arts, sciences, and humanities (2.99)
- Security, law enforcement, firefighting, and related protective services (3.01)
- Engineering technology (3.03)
- Agricultural/animal/plant/veterinary/and related sciences (3.06)
Are majors with higher average GPAs easier?
Not necessarily.
While some fields on the list above correspond to popular notions of an “easy” major, others do not.
For example, math and statistics have the 8th highest average GPA. But are they easy? Maybe…if you’re really good at math.
Some majors’ reputation for difficulty may scare off un-prepared students – leaving the math wizzes to gloat over their high GPAs.
Conversely, majors like gender studies, international relations, and philosophy aren’t easy for everyone either – people with poor writing skills who can’t keep up with the copious amounts of reading may struggle.
The 5 majors the internet thinks are the easiest
Another way to determine the easiest majors is popular opinion.
To figure out what majors are commonly perceived to be easy, we headed to Reddit.
Then, we counted the number of times various majors were mentioned in posts asking what the easiest majors are. We analyzed a total of 35 posts.
5 majors were mentioned at far higher rates than any other field. They were:
- Communications
- Business
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Interdisciplinary or general studies
Interestingly, of these majors, only one appears on the earlier list of the majors with the highest average GPAs – interdisciplinary studies.
Sociology is a particularly curious case: despite its ostensible similarity to anthropology (the major with the 2nd highest average GPA), it is actually the major with the 9th lowest average GPA.
This could mean several things: either sociology really is much more challenging than anthropology, or it’s attracting students who don’t care much about their grades.
What makes a major easy depends on you
Redditors pointed out that what makes a major “easy” depends on many factors:
- Your interest in the subject
- Your natural aptitude
- Your learning style
- A particular program’s reputation
- Your professors
- Your own motivation to work hard and learn
In other words, there is no objective “easiest major.”
That said, most people on Reddit agree that math-heavy subjects are more challenging.
This is partially borne out by GPA data: with the notable exception of, well, math, a majority of the top 15 majors with the highest average GPAs are in the humanities.
KEY TAKEAWAY
While easy majors are different for everyone, most Redditors agree that math-heavy subjects are more challenging.
Average earnings for easy majors
For most Americans, college is a huge investment of time and money. When you decide on a major, you are making a decision that will affect the rest of your life financially.
No pressure!
Picking a major just because it’s easy could set you up to struggle economically after graduation. Many “easy” majors are not worth the money – especially if you’re not passionate about the subject matter.
To illustrate this, we analyzed economic outcome data from the NCES on “easy” degree programs (per high average GPAs and public opinion on Reddit). The NCES has data on how much students are earning, 4 years after they graduate. Their data covers all students who received at least $1 in federal financial aid – about 85% of all college students.
| “Easy” majors | Average earnings, 4 years on |
|---|---|
| Statistics | $74,691 |
| Economics | $72,568 |
| Mathematics | $60,950 |
| National average for all degrees | $57,312 |
| Business administration | $57,086 |
| International relations | $55,587 |
| Political science and government | $54,026 |
| Multi/interdisciplinary studies | $48,698 |
| Communications | $48,525 |
| Building/construction finishing, management, and inspection | $47,979 |
| Area studies | $46,851 |
| Psychology | $45,158 |
| Sociology | $44,497 |
| Foreign languages and literature | $43,107 |
| Ethnic/gender studies | $41,955 |
| English | $41,258 |
| Philosophy | $39,898 |
| Cultural studies/critical theory and Analysis | $39,878 |
| Military technologies | $37,861 |
| Anthropology | $37,313 |
| Theology and religious vocations | $35,531 |
| Culinary services | $35,238 |
source: NCES IPEDS data
Due to the way data was collected, names of majors may be slightly different in this table than in other parts of this article. Unfortunately, the NCES does not have data on earnings of precision production majors.
As the table above shows, only 3 “easy” majors (per Reddit and average GPA) lead to earnings above the national average for all degrees.
And all 3 of these could be very difficult if you’re not a numbers person.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Choosing a major based only on easiness could burden you with student debt you struggle to pay back because your salary after graduation is too low.
The easiest college majors with high pay
The most lucrative degrees are in STEM, generally regarded to be harder than the humanities. These majors are often very competitive or “impacted,” meaning you’re not guaranteed a spot unless you get top grades in your freshman and sophomore years.
However, not all lucrative degrees are rocket science.
We admit, many of the majors below aren’t exactly easy. That said, some represent an easier alternative to challenging, competitive degrees like engineering, computer science, and medicine. Basically, this is a list of the highest-earning majors with the most rigorous STEM fields taken out.
To help you survive college and graduate with a degree that’s not totally useless, we have compiled a list of “easy-ish” majors that lead to relatively high earnings, 4 years after graduation.
1. Pharmacy – $99,027
Yes, pharmacy is a STEM field, and yes, it will involve a lot of studying, science, and memorization. Pharmacy is not a good choice if you’re totally opposed to taking classes like statistics and chemistry.
However, compared to many other health science programs, like dentistry, medicine, or psychiatry, the road to becoming a pharmacist is shorter, less competitive, and less challenging academically. In fact, you can enter pharmacy school with only an associate degree and some science pre-requisites.
Note that pharmacy is not a bachelor’s level degree – although you can earn your PharmD and your bachelor’s simultaneously, as is the case for the program featured below.
Top-value program: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Average earnings: $129,775
Average debt at graduation: $11,813
2. Construction management – $81,845
Construction management majors learn to plan, supervise, and budget construction projects. As long as America keeps building and growing, construction management majors will be in demand.
This major involves a mixture of science classes (structural analysis, mechanical systems for construction, soil and foundation interaction) and business classes (like cost estimation and budgeting). While it may not be a good choice for humanities types, it could be a great major for down-to-earth, practical problem solvers looking for a less intense alternative to engineering.
Top-value program: Northern Kentucky University
Average earnings: $83,736
Average net cost: $6,087
3. Nursing – $79,511
Like pharmacy, nursing is a lucrative major, and you can become a nurse with just an associate. The math and science classes that nursing involves are generally regarded to be easier than those needed for other advanced healthcare fields, although you’ll still need to be a hard worker with precise attention to detail.
There are, however, several big caveats. First, while nursing may not be the hardest major, it is a very hard job. You’ll work long hours in a stressful environment. Second, bachelor’s-level nursing programs are often very competitive. If your grades aren’t the best, you may be best off starting with an associate nursing degree and leveling up to a bachelor’s with an online degree later.
Top-value program: CUNY Lehman College
Average earnings: $112,500
Average net cost: $4,034
4. Information science/studies – $74,372
If you’re comfortable around computers and technology, but there’s no way you’re getting into your college’s super-competitive computer science program, a degree in information science may be a good option for you. Information science programs usually provide a strong grounding in technical IT issues as well as the business and management side of IT. The focus is more on applying technology than inventing it.
Programs are diverse, with focuses like programming, cybersecurity, database administration, and deploying technology to meet business needs.
Top-value program: CUNY Baruch College
Average earnings: $73,588
Average net cost: $3,644
5. Quality control and safety technology – $73,793
People who study quality control and safety technology learn to design and supervise processes – often in an industrial setting – that ensure workers and consumers remain safe. Students may take a mix of industrial engineering classes, occupational health classes, environmental safety classes, and more. Other sample classes include hazard prevention, fundamentals of management, and construction safety.
Graduates go on to careers as occupational health and safety specialists, industrial inspectors, and engineering technologists. Like construction management, this could be a good choice for students looking for a similar major to engineering that isn’t as competitive.
Top-value program: Murray State University
Average earnings: $78,567
Average net cost: $11,072
6. Fire protection – $72,799
Fire protection programs focus on the technical and administrative side of firefighting. You will learn how to manage and supervise emergency fire services. Typical courses could include fire defense planning, human behavior and fire protection, arson investigation, wildland fire, and fire finance.
While this major is grounded in science, courses tend to be practical, rooted in real-world problem solving.
Top-value program: Fayetteville State University
Average earnings: $77,717
Average net cost: $6,319
7. Management information systems and services – $72,763
Management information systems is another degree that combines business and IT. It could be a good option if you’re comfortable with technology, but your university’s computer science major is too competitive for you.
Students who pursue this major learn to make business’ information systems more efficient by combining IT and management expertise. Classes focus on business database systems, business systems analysis, and solving business problems with technology.
Top-value program: Florida State University
Average earnings: $78,609
Average net cost: $6,450
8. Economics – $72,763
Although it didn’t make the top 5 easiest majors by popular opinion, economics was frequently mentioned by Reddit users as an easy major. It is also the major with the 9th highest average GPA according to the NCES.
Economics is a versatile major that can lead to many different careers in the business world. Economics majors’ ability to interpret complex numeric data and understand economic motivations behind human behavior make them an incredible asset to any corporation.
Top-value program: Stanford University
Average earnings: $127,416
Average net cost: $10,851
9. Management sciences – $70,479
A management sciences degree is very much like a bachelor’s in business administration, but with more of a focus on quantitative subjects like finance. Many programs are advertised as a “bachelor of science in business administration” rather than a B.A. or B.B.A. Other programs may focus on applying principles from statistics and mathematical modeling to a business context.
Yes, this major may be more challenging than a traditional bachelor’s-level business degree, but it leads to significantly higher earnings: on average, garden-variety business administration majors earn just $57,086, or 19% less than management science majors.
Top-value program: CUNY Baruch College
Average earnings: $83,300
Average net cost: $3,644
10. Air transportation – $69,305
An air transportation degree isn’t just a pilot’s license – it prepares you for a management or administrative position in the aviation industry. Students gain insight into airline operations, the business side of aviation, safety, airport administration, and aviation law. They may also study the principles of management, economics, and finance.
Some programs include pilot training in addition to courses that focus on administration.
Top-value program: Louisiana Tech University
Average earnings: $68,320
Average net cost: $11,771
11. Real estate – $68,719
While most states don’t require real estate agents to have a degree, people with a bachelor’s in real estate are making above-average salaries just 4 years after graduation. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree may help you land a job at a competitive real estate agency.
Besides becoming real estate brokers, students with a B.A. in real estate can work in mortgage banking, consulting, investment, and real estate development.
Top-value program: Florida State University
Average earnings: $76,464
Average net cost: $6,450
12. Business/managerial economics – $67,685
Business or managerial economics is a branch of economics that’s more narrowly focused on management. Programs often de-emphasize more theoretical concepts like macroeconomics in favor of subjects that can be applied to the day-to-day of running a business.
Courses could include microeconomics, managerial economics, accounting, and more.
Top-value program: University of North Texas
Average earnings: $82,643
Average net cost: $15,205
13. Computer systems networking/telecommunications – $66,153
Another technology major that’s an easier alternative to computer science, networking and telecommunications majors learn how to design, set up, and manage computer systems to increase productivity and efficiency. Some programs focus on cloud computing.
Graduates with this degree go on to become network engineers, systems administrators, IT project managers, and more.
Top-value program: University of Wisconsin, Stout
Average earnings: $89,315
Average net cost: $16,384
14. Sales, merchandising, and marketing ops – $63,063
This group of majors teaches students about effective sales techniques, managing retail operations, and merchandising. Students may also learn about conducting consumer research, negotiation skills, the principles of purchasing, and supply chains.
This is one of the most lucrative majors that doesn’t fall under the STEM umbrella.
Top-value program: Baylor University
Average earnings: $82,643
Average net cost: $15,205
15. Allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions – $61,663
This category of majors covers a diverse range of degree programs in allied health, many of which are available as both associate or bachelor’s degrees. Examples include cardiovascular technology, emergency medical technology, surgical technology, physician assistant training, gene therapy, and many, many more.
One allied health profession, nuclear medicine, is notable for being one of the highest-paying jobs without an advanced degree.
Top-value program: California State University – Northridge
Average earnings: $97,379
Average net cost: $8,293
Runners up
Nine other “easy” programs lead to salaries that are above the national average, as shown in the table below.
| “Easy” majors | Average earnings, 4 years on |
|---|---|
| Statistics | $74,691 |
| Economics | $72,568 |
| Mathematics | $60,950 |
| National average for all degrees | $57,312 |
| Business administration | $57,086 |
| International relations | $55,587 |
| Political science and government | $54,026 |
| Multi/interdisciplinary studies | $48,698 |
| Communications | $48,525 |
| Building/construction finishing, management, and inspection | $47,979 |
| Area studies | $46,851 |
| Psychology | $45,158 |
| Sociology | $44,497 |
| Foreign languages and literature | $43,107 |
| Ethnic/gender studies | $41,955 |
| English | $41,258 |
| Philosophy | $39,898 |
| Cultural studies/critical theory and Analysis | $39,878 |
| Military technologies | $37,861 |
| Anthropology | $37,313 |
| Theology and religious vocations | $35,531 |
| Culinary services | $35,238 |
Source: IPEDS data
Final thoughts
Just because you’re not an academic genius doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of financial instability.
Many majors that aren’t rocket science lead to above-average salaries. While many of them still qualify as STEM subjects, degrees like information science, construction management, or pharmacy represent less-challenging alternatives to competitive fields like computer science, engineering, and medicine.
Want to get the most out of your investment in higher education? Check out our list of the best-value national universities to discover that colleges are offering the best combination of affordable net cost and high earnings after graduation!
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