If college is an obstacle course, you will have plenty of moments when you’re leaping from rope bridge to rope bridge like a cat and countless others when you’re flailing upside down in your harness. Every class will test you in different ways, whether it analyzes Shakespeare’s syntax or quantum mechanics. Feeling in control of the material is good; so is being challenged. The right major for you will contain a solid balance of both. However, some majors are generally regarded as more difficult than others. In this blog, we not only investigate the hardest college majors but also explore why they are considered to be more demanding.
Determining the Hardest Majors in College
Since ease and difficulty are always relative (just Google “Pinterest fail” for some shining examples), we selected the hardest college majors using the same criteria as we did for our list of easiest college majors. However, there are several important distinctions to note.
GPA
A landmark study by Kevin Rask found that STEM majors such as chemistry and math earn the lowest GPAs (2.76 and 2.9, respectively). Other hard sciences, like biology and physics, average in the low threes. Additional research from doctoral student Ben Ost at Cornell attributed low STEM persistence to lower grades, and more recent analysis has continued to confirm these patterns across multiple institutional types.
Several factors may contribute to lower STEM GPAs. The humanities and social sciences often focus on soft skills, like written analysis and problem-solving. STEM majors focus more heavily on hard skills, like programming languages and lab techniques. Likewise, many science and math disciplines layer material, requiring mastery before moving on to the next level. As such, students may find themselves struggling to sustain pace if they fall behind. To that end, many of the majors on this list are considered to be quite demanding in regard to subject matter.
Attrition
Attrition and departmental graduation rates can shed light on a major’s level of difficulty. Higher attrition and lower graduation rates may correlate to higher challenge. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 50% of students who attrite from STEM majors switch to a non-STEM major. (22% of STEM attriters ultimately pursue business while 15% move into social/behavioral sciences and 11% into the humanities.) The data also shows that an important predictor of STEM persistence is a rigorous STEM curriculum in high school. A separate study noted that 60% of those who do attrite from a STEM major do so within the first or second year of college. These are essential factors to keep in mind when investigating the hardest majors in college.
Return on Investment
In general, STEM fields pay well and students enjoy speedy returns on investment. However, the push for STEM over the past decade has saturated some job markets, and the rise of generative AI has shifted the picture further in 2025 and 2026. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nuclear engineering field is expected to decline by 1% between 2023-2033. Other slow-growing STEM fields include geological engineering and petroleum engineering, which are only expected to grow 2%. Some technical skill sets may also not be easily transferable to other disciplines, leaving graduates with fewer job options if their primary field contracts.
More dramatically, the once-bulletproof computer science and computer engineering majors have seen post-college unemployment rates climb to among the highest in the country. The 2026 BLS and Federal Reserve Bank of New York data show computer engineering at 7.5% unemployment for recent graduates and computer science at 6.1%, both well above the recent-graduate average. AI-driven displacement of entry-level coding roles is the structural shift behind these numbers, and the trend has reshaped which STEM fields actually deliver the safe-bet career outcomes that prospective students once expected from them all.
On the non-STEM front, liberal arts, humanities, and education all draw the short straw in regard to return on investment. Education in particular continues to be considered a negative-value degree by the Education Data Initiative, with mid-career earnings that lag every other major on this list.
To build this list of hardest college majors, we considered subject matter difficulty, post-college unemployment, underemployment, job prospects, and overall return on investment. We also evaluated the percentage of graduates who earn advanced degrees, as high rates of graduate study can negatively impact early-career earning potential. All data, unless otherwise noted, was sourced from The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates, an interactive web feature maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The figures included here reflect the most recent annual update available in 2026. Headline labor-market context: the recent-graduate unemployment rate stood at approximately 5.7% in the first quarter of 2026, with underemployment around 41.5%, both meaningfully higher than the pre-pandemic baseline.
12 Hardest College Majors
1) Anthropology
Anthropology students spend their undergraduate years studying, analyzing, and researching human diversity and behavior. An exceptional level of reading, writing, and critical thinking is involved. Although they occupy roles at a diverse array of institutions that include museums, marketing agencies, and cultural or public health organizations, 9.4% of new anthropology majors must contend with unemployment, the highest unemployment rate of any major in the country. Anthropology graduates are also underemployed at a very high rate, even though nearly half hold graduate degrees. Prepare to be creative and tenacious to make this degree work for you. In college, expect to take courses in archaeology as well as biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and ethnography.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $42,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $70,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 9.4%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 55.9%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 46.7%
Related: Best Colleges for Anthropology
2) Architecture
Architecture: best described as a mash-up of art and engineering. In addition to becoming, you guessed it, architects, students who major in this discipline also go on to become interior designers, urban planners, and restoration managers. Given the dual focus on art and science, architecture projects are often demanding and require high attention to detail. It is also quite difficult to become a licensed architect: you typically need to complete a 3-5 year internship and pass an exam. During your years of undergraduate study, expect to take courses in computer science, calculus, art history, and studio art.
Median mid-career earnings have ticked up to roughly $85,000 in the latest data after a drop the prior year, while unemployment remains elevated above the 2022 baseline.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $52,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $85,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 4.5%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 30.8%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 40.8%
Related: Best Colleges for Architecture
3) Biology
Biology is a broad field concerned with the study of living organisms. Subfields include zoology, marine biology, botany, and ecology. Many require an advanced degree, and almost two-thirds of biology majors attend some level of graduate school. As such, nearly half can expect to be underemployed during the early-career years before they finish their graduate credentials. The subject matter is typically regarded as difficult and time-intensive, and students must learn specialized techniques to be successful. As undergrads, students can expect to take courses in chemistry, math, molecular biology, and genetics.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $47,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $80,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.0%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 45.6%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 63.4%
Related: Best Colleges for Biology, Best Marine Biology Colleges
4) Chemistry
If you major in chemistry, you are interested in the study of matter. In addition to mastering difficult subject material, almost two-thirds of chemistry majors go on to earn advanced degrees (a necessity for most research positions). Chemistry majors can be found working as chemists, materials scientists, and researchers, to name a few. In college, they take coursework in biology, math, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. Although it is one of the hardest majors in college, it is excellent preparation for medical school.
Unemployment for recent chemistry graduates remains elevated at 6.1%, well above the 3% to 4% range it occupied before the 2022-2024 labor-market contraction. Earnings have stayed steady alongside the underemployment percentage, but the entry-level job market for new chemistry bachelor’s holders has clearly tightened over the past two years.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $55,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $90,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 6.1%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 40.6%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 65.5%
Related: Best Colleges for Chemistry
5) Computer Science
Computer science is the academic study of computation, algorithms, programming, software design, and at the leading edge, the theoretical foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The major continues to command the highest entry-level salaries in higher education for graduates who do land roles, but the labor market for new CS bachelor’s holders shifted meaningfully in 2024 and 2025. Recent CS graduate unemployment has reached 6.1% per Federal Reserve Bank of New York data, the seventh-highest rate among all majors and roughly double what the same major saw before the post-pandemic tech contraction. Underemployment, at 19.1%, remains low compared to most other majors on this list, which means CS graduates who do find work generally find work that uses their degree. The structural pressures behind the unemployment number include AI-driven contraction of entry-level coding roles, record enrollment levels producing more graduates than the market can absorb, and a hiring shift toward experienced engineers rather than new grads. Undergraduates take courses in algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, discrete mathematics, and machine learning. Computer engineering, the closely related hardware-and-systems specialty, fares even worse at 7.5% unemployment, the third-highest rate among all college majors in the latest data.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $80,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $125,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 6.1%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 19.1%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 32.0%
Related: Best Colleges for Computer Science
6) Economics
Economics applies quantitative methods to the study of resource allocation, market behavior, financial systems, and policy decisions. Although often housed in the social sciences, the modern economics major is quantitative: undergraduates take courses in calculus, statistics, econometrics, microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and game theory, and many programs now require additional coursework in linear algebra and computational methods. The major also has one of the higher graduate-school continuation rates outside of the hard sciences, with a substantial share of economics undergraduates entering MA, MBA, MPP, JD, or PhD programs within five years of bachelor’s degree completion. Graduates who enter the workforce directly find roles in finance, consulting, government policy analysis, and data analytics. Mid-career earnings are strong, though new-graduate unemployment has crept higher in the past two years as financial-services hiring has tightened.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $66,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $110,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 4.9%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 36.5%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 39.4%
Related: Best Colleges for Economics
7) Education
Education majors spend their undergraduate years learning the theory and practice of teaching. According to Rask’s study referenced above, education majors typically enjoy high GPAs, which could make them a curious addition to a hardest college majors list. Their post-college unemployment rate is also quite low. However, education majors attrite from the major at high rates (42% per the National Center for Education Statistics) and have a lower return on investment than other fields. As an undergrad, you will take courses in child development, classroom management, and mentorship while completing supervised field experiences. Teachers specialize in a particular subject and/or grade level, and a master’s degree is often required for full state certification. College professors typically hold a terminal degree in their field.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $42,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $55,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.3%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 22.8%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 52.0%
Related: Best Colleges for Education, How to Become a Teacher, How to Become a College Professor
8) Engineering
In essence, engineers use math and science to solve practical problems. There are many types of engineering: biomedical, chemical, mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical. Some sectors of engineering are growing slowly, while others are expanding at a fast clip. Per current BLS projections, software engineering is growing 17%, industrial engineering 12%, mechanical engineering 11%, and environmental engineering 7%. You can also find engineers working in fields like business, technical writing, and investment banking. Specific coursework depends on your engineering specialty, but expect core courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus. Over one-third ultimately earn graduate degrees, and unemployment rates are typically low overall, though outcomes do depend on the specialty. As noted above, the computer engineering specialty has seen unemployment rise to 7.5% in the latest data, which is dramatically higher than mainstream engineering disciplines.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $74,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $105,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 2.4%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 28.2%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 37.5%
Related: Different Types of Engineering Majors, Best Colleges for Industrial Engineering, Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering, Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering, Best Colleges for Aerospace Engineering, Best Colleges for Biomedical Engineering, Best Colleges for Chemical Engineering
9) Fine Arts
The fine arts include a slew of the hardest majors in college: dance, theater, music, film, photography, visual arts, and creative writing. In addition to a low return on investment and high post-college unemployment, fine arts majors must contend with competitive industries and high barriers to entry. Their projects and performances require a significant amount of time and discipline. Fine arts students typically take advanced classes in their specialty, studio and workshop courses, and art history. They often need to submit portfolios before being considered for their major of choice. The 7.0% unemployment rate places fine arts among the highest-unemployment fields in the country, narrowly behind anthropology, physics, and computer engineering.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $42,500
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $70,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 7.0%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 53.4%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 22.6%
Related: Best Colleges for Music, Best Colleges for Musical Theater, Best Colleges for Theatre and Drama, Best Colleges for Dance, Best Colleges for Film, Best Colleges for Creative Writing
10) Mathematics
Math majors analyze numerical relationships and solve complex problems. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that math majors have the highest rate of attrition of any major (52%). More than half of those who do complete the degree hold graduate degrees. Many math majors pursue careers in actuarial science, data analysis, quantitative finance, and machine learning, all of which can be extremely lucrative. As an undergrad, you will take courses in algebra, logic, geometry, real analysis, and complex analysis. Depending on your focus, you will also take advanced courses in applied or pure mathematics. The math major’s combination of strong mid-career earnings ($100,000+) and low underemployment makes it one of the more financially attractive entries on this list for graduates who complete the degree.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $65,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $100,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.7%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 24.3%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 51.7%
Related: Best Colleges for Applied Mathematics, Best Colleges for Mathematics
11) Nursing
Nurses provide medical care in a range of settings, from schools to clinics to hospitals. Considered one of the hardest majors in college, it is also a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding career. As undergraduates, students typically take coursework in psychology, chemistry, anatomy, and microbiology while participating in extensive clinical experiences. Nurses must pass state licensing exams (NCLEX-RN) before they can start working. They enjoy incredibly low levels of unemployment, the lowest of any major on this list at 1.4%, and earn solid early and mid-career salaries. With BSN-prepared RN demand running at near-record levels across most U.S. metros and the federal nursing shortage projected to continue through 2034, nursing remains one of the few fields on this list where employment outcomes are almost guaranteed for graduates who complete licensure.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $66,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $86,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 1.4%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 9.7%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 30.1%
Related: Best Colleges for Nursing, Direct Admit Nursing Programs
12) Physics
Physics is a fundamental science that explores how the universe works. Specializations include astrophysics, particle physics, and meteorology. Almost three-quarters of physics majors go on to pursue advanced degrees, and many work as physicists, researchers, and engineers. Like biology and chemistry, its hard-science cousins, physics-related subject matter is considered quite challenging, earning it a spot on many hardest college majors lists. Undergraduates typically take courses in calculus, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, classical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Unemployment can be higher than other majors at 7.8%, the second-highest rate on this list. Physics majors are well paid when they do find a job, though many require graduate credentials to reach the higher-paying research and engineering positions.
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $70,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $100,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 7.8%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 35.0%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 67.9%
Related: Best Colleges for Physics, Best Colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Final Thoughts – Hardest College Majors
While solid college and career planning are always essential, be sure to carefully consider the pros and cons before pursuing one of the hardest majors in college. The 2026 labor market data shows meaningful shifts from prior years, particularly in computer science and computer engineering, where the once-reliable promise of high-employment, high-salary outcomes has been disrupted by AI-driven displacement of entry-level roles. Anthropology, fine arts, physics, and several other majors continue to face elevated unemployment, though many graduates use the bachelor’s degree as a stepping stone to graduate work that ultimately produces strong career outcomes.
Students who are dedicated and resourceful with strong academic support systems will find any of these majors to be financially rewarding and personally fulfilling, but the path to that outcome is meaningfully harder than the path through easier majors. The right choice depends on academic preparation, financial situation, career goals, and tolerance for the specific kind of difficulty each major presents. Subject-matter difficulty, attrition risk, return-on-investment patterns, and graduate-school dependency all factor into the decision.
