For incoming undergraduate students, the colorful portrayal of great college life is all about exciting activities outside the classroom. However, when they finally have to decide what’s next academically, many daunting questions are staring at their faces.
“What career should I pursue? Is this major suitable for me? After graduating, will I have a successful career?”. On and on. And, of course, everyone finds themselves wondering at some point, “Do easy majors that pay well exist?”.
To some people, this question might seem irrelevant. However, it’s fine to contemplate which bachelor’s program will make your path easier or harder. Picking the right major can open the door to a fulfilling career that pays a living wage. On the other hand, a wrong choice might lead to years of misery if the related work is not engaging, consumes too much time, or doesn’t pay well.
Understanding that, the JobandEdu team has compiled a list of easy majors with the highest starting salaries. Read on, and perhaps you will find one that suits you!
Table of Contents
But First, What Makes A College Major “Easy”?
Before we get started, let’s get one thing straight: What’s easy and what’s difficult is very subjective. Depending on your dedication, talent, and personal needs, you might find some majors easier than others.
With that in mind, here are some factors to consider before choosing your program:
Your “Personal Grit”
It will be much more difficult to secure good grades and retain concepts if you are not interested in the major. Make sure you choose one that captures your interest since you are going to spend so much time on it.
Your Strengths And Weaknesses
Each brain is wired a bit differently. Therefore, certain students might find certain subjects easier. Although you don’t really need natural talent to pursue a particular major, choosing one that you already have an intellectual advantage will make your college years a lot easier.
I’d suggest looking at the courses you’ve excelled in. Do any of these fields interest you? Most colleges also advise students to consult academic advisors to see how a major connects to their strengths and weaknesses.
What Is The Workload Like?
Frankly, not every student will put academic coursework on top priority. Some majors consume more time than others, so pick the one that suits your needs.
What Career Options Will Be Available After Graduating?
Some particular majors don’t shape your career. For example, Economics or Communications can prepare you with transferable skills in various fields. Majors like medicine or film will pave the way for a specific path. Pick a program with your future career in mind.
Also, before deciding on a major, it would be wise to take a look at the job placement statistics of those who have pursued this bachelor’s degree.
How to choose a college major?
The Top 5 Easy Majors That Pay Well
To help you decide which is the right path for you, let’s dive into this list of top 5 “easy” majors that pay well!
Average GPA, average starting salary, and weekly study hours are used to determine which majors to include. Generally, the college majors I’ve selected have higher-than-average GPAs, indicating that most students find it less challenging to maintain good grades. They also have higher entry-level salaries and a lower number of hours spent studying compared to other majors.
Easy Majors That Pay Well – Journalism
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Starting salary: $48,370 per year.
- Average study hours: 13.5 hours per week.
Aside from English, journalism would be a perfect choice for those who find passion in writing and learning new things. A bachelor’s program in journalism doesn’t only help you gain exposure to solid writing skills, but it also teaches you how to create other types of media using the latest tech.
It’s included in the list of easy majors that pay well since journalism students have a relatively high GPA compared to peers, and they don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of time studying. If this makes you feel better, journalism is also one of the majors that don’t require math!
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2021, the median annual wage of entry-level journalists is $48,370 – not bad, I’d say.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not that difficult to secure a full-time job as a journalist, especially when online publishing has made it into the top 3 fastest growing industries. Take some career advice from experts in the field: Devote extra time to courses like Design & Digital Editing or Digital Media Production if you want to become a strong candidate! For modern reporters, the ability to master writing alone is not enough.
Public Relations & Advertising
- Average GPA: 3.0
- Starting salary: $58,000 per year.
- Average study hours: 12 hours per week.
So you are always interested in other people? Do you watch the Super Bowl for the ads? Or perhaps you are known to be a good storyteller? In that case, Public Relations & Advertising major will suit you best. This field also offers a wide variety of creative jobs to use your artistic talents without risking your income.
As a Public Relations & Advertising student, you will gain an understanding of the human mind from a business perspective. From there, you know how to shape the attitude toward a concept, idea, or product.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Public Relations entry-level is around $58,000 per year in the United States. If you consider it, this wage is reasonable for a college graduate in this field: Every business needs to reach out to their consumers constantly.
As shown on the BLS website, job demand in the overall field of advertising will increase by 10% as of 2026. That’s above average for all careers.
Social Work
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Starting salary: $60,470 per year.
- Average study hours: 12 hours per week.
A bachelor’s degree in Social Work equips you for entry-level positions in numerous settings. That includes state & local governments, military bases; correctional facilities; and healthcare facilities. As a student majoring in social work, your classes will cover a wide range of topics, from human rights and social justice to human behaviors and psychology.
Although this major fits my criteria for this list, labelling social work “easy” is a bit unfair: The emotional strain it takes to pursue a career in this field is often the biggest challenge for college graduates. To be a successful social work student, you need to exhibit a high level of resiliency and practice self-care.
The outcome is worthwhile, though: Not only will you get a solid entry-level salary, but you will also improve your communication skills, boost your emotional quotient, and make a real impact on other people’s lives.
Easy Majors That Pay Well – Psychology
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Starting salary: $60,000 per year.
- Average study hours: 13.5 hours per week.
Only within the past few centuries have we started objectively measuring, examining, and assessing human behavior. Majoring in psychology, students will look deep into the progress we have made to date and take part in social science research to further discover the subject. It’s a good choice if you want to work with people and are constantly interested in understanding their mental processes.
Indeed, psychology students have a higher-than-average GPA, and their workload is by no means exhaustive. However, there are a few setbacks: Although the starting salary is decent, according to the BLS, the typical entry-level education for psychologists is a Master’s degree. So, unlike journalism or public relations & advertising, psychology majors should be willing to spend some extra time in grad school if they wish to secure a high-paying job.
Additionally, by its very nature, psychology is a person-oriented profession. Some students might find the social aspect of this career really stressful. Without good stress management skills, your emotions will be constantly drained.
Business Administration
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Starting salary: $66,257 per years.
- Average study hours: 13.5 hours per week.
Last on the list of easiest high-paying degrees is business administration. A bachelor’s program in business administration will provide you with business basics, including finance, operations, marketing, management, and human resources. Just as essentially, you will be equipped with the best skills for your resume: Critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership.
The major has the perfect trio of high average GPA, low weekly study hours, and a good starting income. If you have a brain for numbers, strong business acumen, and a drive to interact with people, this might be a great fit for you.
Just because it’s easier to get good grades in this major doesn’t mean you don’t have opportunities to challenge yourself. You can enroll in rigorous quantitative courses and apply for internship programs that expose you to real-world business administration. To excel in this field, grad school is not necessary.
The Choices We Make May Determine Our Future!
Deciding on your college major can be a life-changing choice that plays into the path your life will take. Hopefully, this list of top 5 easy majors that pay well can lead you in the right direction.
Some majors might be easier to complete and offer many respectable-paying job opportunities. Still, nothing but yourself, your resume, and your skills can guarantee that you will get a good job. Keep in mind that only the greatest survive in a competitive marketplace!
