Choosing the best college major is not always an easy choice. Starting salaries are shifting across different degrees, with some experiencing steady growth while others face declines. Yahoo! Finance recently showcased which are gaining momentum and which are losing ground.

THE THREE DEGREES ON THE DOWNHILL

Up first: Social Sciences. The projected 2025 starting salary at $67,316 reflects a 3.6% drop from 2024. Similarly, Communications majors are trending downward when it comes to initial pay, with a 2025 starting salary of $60,353. Finally, Math and Science degrees were third in the decline, with a modest 1.9% dip to $69,709 in 2025 projections.

These three still promise strong opportunities down the road, especially for those in mid-late careers. Data scientists or actuaries, for example, grow significantly with experience – especially for those earning advanced degrees.

BUSINESS DEGREES ON THE UPSWING

On the uphill were Agricultural majors and Natural Resources majors, with salaries projected to start at $63,122 in 2025 – a 2.8% increase – amid the growing focus on sustainability. There’s great news for Business grads as well, with a 2.14% climb to $65,276. Last year, Business majors started at $64,907 and $60,695 in 2022. Also on the rise are the ever in-demand Computer Science majors, with salaries projected at $76,251 in 2025. Demand for those in this major is steady, with a strong need still for cybersecurity analysts and software developers.

STEM fields still remain strong, though their starting salaries don’t always tell this story. USA Today discussing how STEM graduates consistently top the list for highest-paying jobs a few years after graduation. Engineering majors start even higher, at $78,731, benefiting from consistent growth and innovation-driven roles. For students deciding on their path, some majors may take longer to shine, but their long-term rewards are worth the wait.

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