Published April 5, 2026 · Updated annually
Is a College Degree Worth It in 2026?
Whether a college degree is worth it depends almost entirely on what you study. Using earnings and debt data from 2,202 schools across 30,224 school-major combinations, our analysis shows that the best majors deliver 5-10x ROI on tuition costs, while the worst majors leave graduates with more debt than they can reasonably repay. The average debt is $26,295, and average first-year earnings are $57,775.
The Best ROI Majors
These majors consistently deliver strong earnings relative to debt across schools:
| Major | Avg ROI Score | Avg Debt | Avg Earnings (1yr) | Avg Earnings (5yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies | 89 | $21,058 | $95,000 | $147,250 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 88 | $23,127 | $95,000 | $147,250 |
| Computer Programming | 88 | $23,186 | $95,000 | $147,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 88 | $22,109 | $95,000 | $147,250 |
| Computer Science | 88 | $22,120 | $95,000 | $147,250 |
The Worst ROI Majors
These majors have the weakest financial outcomes relative to the debt required:
| Major | Avg ROI Score | Avg Debt | Avg Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science | 36 | $28,077 | $35,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | 39 | $24,619 | $35,000 |
| Religious/Sacred Music | 41 | $27,444 | $40,000 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | 41 | $27,920 | $40,000 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 42 | $27,264 | $40,000 |
The Answer: It Depends on Your Major
College is not a single product — it is thousands of different products (school + major combinations) at wildly different prices. Engineering at a state university is a fundamentally different investment than liberal arts at a private college. Treating "college" as one thing obscures the massive variation in outcomes.
Our data shows that STEM fields, healthcare programs, and business degrees consistently deliver positive ROI. Fine arts, humanities, and education degrees often do not — not because they lack value, but because the earnings do not keep pace with the debt required to obtain them.
The Alternative: Skilled Trades
For students considering alternatives, skilled trades offer strong earnings with minimal debt. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians earn median salaries of $50,000-$80,000 with 2-4 years of paid apprenticeship instead of 4+ years of tuition. Compare trade earnings on TradePay.
Search any school-major combination on our ROI rankings to see the specific financial outcome before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the major. The average college debt is $26,295 and average first-year earnings are $57,775. STEM and healthcare majors consistently show positive ROI, while some liberal arts and fine arts degrees have negative returns. Use our ROI calculator to check specific school-major combinations.
Across 2,202 schools in our database, the average median debt at graduation is $26,295. However, debt varies enormously by school and major — from under $15,000 at some state universities to over $50,000 at private institutions.
Engineering, computer science, and nursing consistently top our ROI rankings. These majors combine high starting salaries with manageable debt levels and strong job market demand. Check our full rankings for the current top 20.
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