Recent college graduates are increasingly voicing dissatisfaction with their chosen majors, particularly in fields like political science and journalism. A new ZipRecruiter study surveying graduates from the class of 2025 and those set to graduate in 2026 reveals that about one in five recent grads—20.5 percent—regret their academic path. This figure, while slightly down from 21.5 percent the previous year, highlights persistent challenges in aligning higher education choices with real-world job markets.

The study, based on responses from 3,000 young Americans aged 20 to 29, underscores a shift in priorities. While passion once drove major selections, career prospects now dominate decisions, with 41.4 percent of rising seniors citing job opportunities as a key reason for any changes. This comes amid a tightening entry-level job landscape, where postings have shrunk and competition has intensified.

Key Findings from the ZipRecruiter Annual Grad Report

Political science, international relations, and public policy emerged as the most regretted cluster of majors, with 46.3 percent of graduates wishing they had chosen differently. Close behind were communications, media studies, and public relations at 39.2 percent, followed by physical sciences like physics, chemistry, and earth sciences at 33.3 percent. Liberal arts majors showed the highest overall regret rates, often lamenting the lack of direct pathways to quantitative or scientific careers.

Journalism, frequently grouped with English and literature, faces similar scrutiny. Graduates in these areas report salaries 30 percent lower than anticipated, fueling disillusionment. In contrast, nursing stands out as a beacon of success, with median starting salaries hitting $70,000 and nearly one-third securing jobs before commencement.

Job placement data further illuminates the divide. Overall, 77.2 percent of recent graduates landed roles within three months, up from 63.3 percent last year, thanks to more applications and flexibility. However, only 26 percent feel they're on their dream career path, with 51.2 percent viewing current positions as stepping stones.

Why Political Science Majors Are Leading in Regret

Political science degrees promise insights into governance, policy, and global affairs—the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA Poli Sci) equips students with analytical skills, critical thinking, and understanding of political systems. Yet, for many recent grads, the transition to employment proves bumpy. Entry-level salaries average around $48,000, far below the $60,000-plus many expect, especially without advanced degrees or specialized experience.

Job prospects often require internships, networking, or graduate studies for roles like policy analyst, legislative aide, or lobbyist. Without them, grads pivot to generalist positions in sales, HR, or administration. The vague career trajectory—unlike nursing's clear hospital-to-job pipeline—leaves many feeling underprepared. Work experience proves crucial: 81.6 percent with prior jobs are employed, versus 40.7 percent without.

Real-world examples abound. A University of California graduate shared in forums how their poli sci degree led to retail management, prompting a pivot to data analytics certifications. Experts note that while versatile, the major demands proactive career building, which recent grads in a competitive market often overlook.

Journalism's Challenges: A Shrinking Industry Meets High Expectations

Journalism majors hone skills in reporting, ethics, and multimedia storytelling through a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BA Journalism). However, digital disruption, layoffs, and AI content tools have eroded traditional newsroom jobs. Median salaries hover at $46,000, with 30 percent shortfalls from expectations common. Unemployment risks loom higher in media hubs amid consolidations.

Grads report intense competition for scarce roles, pushing many into public relations, marketing, or corporate communications—ironically, fields with their own regrets at 39.2 percent. Success stories exist: alumni freelancing for outlets or transitioning to digital strategy, but these require adaptability beyond coursework. Enrollment in journalism programs has dipped as students eye stable alternatives.

Salary Gaps and Economic Realities Exposed

Expectations clash harshly with reality across humanities and social sciences. Public health grads face 43.8 percent pay shortfalls, while agriculture and environmental science see 30 percent gaps alongside journalism. Gender disparities compound issues: female recent grads earn $48,000 median versus $60,000 for males, despite narrower anticipated gaps.

Entry-level postings comprise just 38.6 percent of jobs, down from 43.4 percent two years ago. Healthcare dominates growth at 43 percent of payroll gains, underscoring why 15.2 percent of grads wish they'd chosen nursing.

Higher Education Shifts: Enrollment and Major Changes

U.S. college enrollment ticked up 1 percent to 19.4 million in fall 2025, but patterns reveal caution. Rising seniors are twice as likely to study nursing (10.8 percent vs. 5.4 percent for recent grads) and engineering (8.1 percent vs. 7.5 percent). Political science and journalism programs see subtle declines as 9.8 percent switch majors for economic reasons—double recent grads' rate.

Universities like NYU and Columbia report humanities enrollment drops, prompting curriculum tweaks toward interdisciplinary options like data journalism or computational social science. Community colleges see freshman gains (+0.5 percent), signaling affordability drives.

Low-Regret Majors: Paths to Stability and Growth

• Nursing: $70,000 median, 92.9 percent employment with experience, 8 percent projected growth.
• Computer Science: Low unemployment (under 3 percent), high demand in AI/tech.
• Engineering: Versatile, $74,000+ projected for math/sciences.
• Business Administration: 92.3 percent employment boost with experience.

These fields offer clear outcomes, aligning with labor market needs. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM/healthcare dominance through 2034.

Alternative Careers for Poli Sci and Journalism Grads

Poli sci alumni thrive in non-traditional roles: policy analysts at think tanks ($60,000+), compliance officers, or economists. Journalism skills transfer to content marketing ($55,000 average) or PR specialists. Success stories include a Harvard poli sci grad leading tech policy at Google and a USC journalism alum founding a digital media startup.

Certifications in data analysis, project management, or digital marketing bridge gaps. Internships (40.3 percent participation yields 24.7 percent pre-grad offers) and apprenticeships (32.9 percent dream path) accelerate transitions.

Actionable Advice for Students and Advisors

Prospective majors: Research via ZipRecruiter reports and Federal Reserve data. Gain experience early—volunteer for campaigns, freelance write. Current students: Network via career services, upskill in AI tools (only 23-29 percent trained).

Universities should integrate career advising, emphasizing ROI. Explore minors in business or tech to hybridize degrees.

Outlook for Class of 2026: Adaptation is Key

Hiring rebounds slightly, but AI fears (50.6 percent see entry-level cuts) loom. Entrepreneurship appeals to 37.5 percent, grad school to 48.5 percent. Healthcare and tech lead, but adaptable grads in any field succeed. By prioritizing prospects over passion, future cohorts may dodge regret pitfalls.

For those in regretted majors, resilience pays: 77.2 percent find work quickly. Higher ed evolves, blending liberal arts with practical skills for tomorrow's workforce.

Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash