The College Majors Most Likely to Lead to Debt You Can't Escape

• Why it’s risky: Getting a fine arts degree? Hope you’ve got deep pockets, because tuition, supplies, and studio fees aren’t exactly a bargain. Oh, and don’t forget the joy of graduating into a job market where painting, sculpture, and performance careers are basically a Hunger Games arena. 

• The problem: Average starting salaries for fine arts grads are low, often hovering around $30,000, making it hard to chip away at student loan debt.

• Why it’s risky: Dreaming of making it big in Hollywood or on Broadway? Drama degrees come with high costs for training and performance opportunities, but job prospects in acting or directing often involve long periods of unemployment or low-paying gigs.

• The problem: The median income for actors and theater professionals tends to be unstable, which makes paying off loans a slow uphill battle.

• Why it’s risky: The music degree—for those who dream of being the next big thing while also moonlighting as a barista? Sure, it sounds glamorous, but making a steady income in this field is like trying to play a symphony on a kazoo: nearly impossible. Most grads end up scraping by with low-paying teaching gigs or piecing together part-time work. Hope you like living on applause and “exposure”!

• The problem: Tuition costs for music schools are among the highest, but average salaries in the field don’t reflect the investment.

• Why it’s risky: So, graduates are out here chasing careers in ministry, education, or non-profits—basically the holy trinity of “rewarding but broke.” Sure, it’s meaningful work, but let’s be real: meaning doesn’t exactly pay the bills. Who needs a solid paycheck when you’ve got the warm, fuzzy glow of making a difference, right?

• The problem: With a national average salary of $40,000 or less in many roles, paying back substantial student debt feels like moving mountains.

• Why it’s risky: Anthropology and archaeology are fascinating fields, offering the chance to explore human history and uncover ancient artifacts. But career opportunities in these areas can be limited, and jobs are highly competitive. If your goal is to work in academia, keep in mind that pursuing an advanced degree is often necessary, which can require a significant investment of time and money.

• The problem: The average starting salary is about $36,000, which makes the return on investment quite low.

• Why it’s risky: Sure, the hospitality industry has tons of jobs—if you’re cool with entry-level gigs that pay just enough to keep your instant ramen stash stocked. You can have all the “valuable experience" in the world without a livable wage to show for it.

• The problem: Majors in this field often face a double challenge of high tuition costs and low salaries in jobs like hotel management or event planning (often starting below $40,000).

• Why it’s risky: Culinary school costs a small fortune, and guess what? Your dream job as a line cook or sous chef will barely pay enough to cover your rent, let alone that shiny knife set you splurged on. Oh, and let’s not forget the joy of standing on your feet for 12-hour shifts, dodging hot oil and sharp objects while your back slowly stages a mutiny. 

• The problem: Many culinary graduates struggle to justify high levels of debt when the average pay in the industry rarely exceeds $35,000 early in their careers.

• Why it’s risky: Oh, photography—where dreams are big, but wallets need to be even bigger. Want to break into the biz? Better sell a kidney for that fancy camera. And let’s not forget, you’ll probably be your own boss, which sounds cool until you realize "boss" means juggling gigs and praying someone pays you on time. 

• The problem: The financial returns from freelance projects or small contracts often don’t match the price of a photography education.

• Why it’s risky: Oh sure, philosophy gives you top-notch critical thinking skills, but pondering the meaning of life doesn't really pay the bills. Unless you’re itching to teach or dive headfirst into academia (and rack up even more student debt for an advanced degree), your career options are about as plentiful as unicorns in a parking lot. 

• The problem: The estimated average starting salary is around $35,000, which makes it tough to justify the steep student loans required to earn the degree.

• Why it’s risky: Teaching—the “noble” profession where you get to shape young minds... while barely making enough to pay off your student loans. Oh, and don’t forget the public school teachers who get the added bonus of shelling out for state certifications. Because clearly, spending money to prove you’re qualified to earn a low salary makes total sense.

• The problem: Many new teachers earn less than $40,000 a year, despite taking on significant student debt.

• Why it’s risky: Social work demands not just long hours but a profound emotional toll—every case, every story weighs heavy. Yet, the financial rewards often fail to match the immense personal sacrifice. Imagine pouring your heart into a career only to find the paycheck doesn’t reflect the cost of your dedication. To make matters more daunting, many employers require a master’s degree, piling on significant educational debt. 

• The problem: Average starting salaries range from $30,000 to $40,000, leaving little wiggle room in your budget for repaying loans.

• Why it’s risky: With traditional media outlets shrinking, journalism graduates face more challenges finding full-time, well-paying jobs. Instead of salaried positions, many turn to freelancing or gig work, which can make income less stable. If you're pursuing a career in journalism, it’s helpful to explore diverse skills and opportunities to adapt to this changing landscape.

• The problem: Early-career journalists can expect to earn around $33,000–$40,000 annually, which barely makes a dent in student loan balances.

Why it’s risky: A master’s degree is a costly ticket into most library science careers. For those aspiring to this specialized field, it often means shouldering heavy debt in exchange for limited opportunities. Yes, the demand for librarians persists, but it’s creeping forward at a sluggish pace, far from the booming growth seen in other industries.

• The problem: The median salary for entry-level positions often ranks below the total cost of a bachelor’s degree plus advanced studies.