Top 10 College Majors That Are Actually Worth It

Shane Hummus
26 Mar 202316:27
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video discusses the value and return on investment of various college degrees, highlighting that the truth lies between the extremes of following one's passion and the college-is-a-scam narrative. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a degree that aligns with one's financial goals and job market demands. The speaker, having a doctorate and experience in the education system, shares insights on degrees that offer the best outcomes, including health, engineering, and computer science, while also addressing the challenges and alternatives in the job market.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 The value of a college degree has been decreasing over time while the cost has been increasing.
  • 📉 Approximately 70% of people go to college now, making a degree less rare and thus less valuable in the job market.
  • 💰 College debt is a significant concern for many graduates, with two-thirds regretting their degree choice due to financial burden.
  • 🎯 It's crucial to choose a degree that offers a good return on investment, especially when considering taking out student loans.
  • 🔬 Science degrees, particularly at the bachelor's level, are not as valuable as other degrees, with chemistry ranking relatively well at number 54.
  • 📈 Economics is a versatile degree that can lead to success in various fields, ranking at number 27 on the college degree ranker.
  • 🌌 Physics degrees are respected and open doors in finance and other industries, placing at number 18 on the ranker.
  • 🔢 Mathematics and statistics degrees are highly valued, with mathematics tied at number 22 on the ranker and statistics around the same spot.
  • 💼 Business degrees have a reputation for being practical and easy, with management information systems ranking at number 17.
  • 🖥️ Technology degrees are increasingly popular and valuable, but there are faster, cheaper ways to enter tech-related careers.
  • 🏥 Health-related degrees, like nursing (BSN), are stable and necessary for the career, ranking well on the degree ranker.
  • 🔧 Engineering degrees are challenging but rewarding, teaching practical problem-solving skills and ranking high on the degree ranker with computer science at the top.
Q & A
  • What is the main message of the video regarding choosing a college degree?

    -The main message of the video is that the truth about choosing a college degree lies somewhere between the extremes of blindly following one's passion and believing in the scam of higher education. It emphasizes the importance of selecting a degree that offers a good return on investment, aligns with one's goals, and is worth the financial commitment, especially when considering student loans.

  • How has the value of a college degree changed over time?

    -The value of a college degree has been dropping over a long period of time due to inflation and the increasing number of people attending college. Previously, a degree was a rare achievement that guaranteed a good return on investment, but now, with nearly 70 percent of people attending college, a degree is no longer rare, and its value has diminished.

  • What percentage of college students end up regretting their degree choice?

    -Two-thirds of the people who finish their degree end up having regrets, mainly due to the college debt they have to take out and the lack of preparation for the workforce that their college education provided.

  • What is the speaker's personal experience with higher education?

    -The speaker went through the entire college system, obtaining a doctorate and working in the medical profession, which provided a six-figure income. However, they also acknowledge that many people they know had terrible experiences with college, often resulting in regrets and financial burdens.

  • What are some factors to consider when choosing a college degree?

    -When choosing a college degree, one should consider the financial return on investment, the alignment with personal and career goals, the demand for related jobs in the workforce, and the potential for success in the chosen field without incurring massive student loan debt.

  • Why are science degrees ranked as the worst among STEM degrees at the bachelor's level?

    -Science degrees, particularly at the bachelor's level, are ranked as the worst among STEM degrees because they offer fewer direct career opportunities and lower salaries compared to other STEM fields. To access high-level jobs in science, one typically needs to pursue a master's or a doctorate, which involves additional schooling and investment.

  • What is the speaker's opinion on the value of a computer science degree?

    -The speaker considers a computer science degree as the best choice, ranking it at the top of their college degree ranker. It offers excellent job prospects, high salaries, good benefits, and the potential for early retirement through the financial independence movement. Additionally, computer science graduates have opportunities for entrepreneurship and can leverage their skills for multiple job opportunities.

  • Which degree does the video mention as having the best return on investment?

    -The video mentions that the computer science degree has the best return on investment, ranking number one out of over 900 different degrees on the speaker's college degree ranker.

  • What are some alternative paths to technology-related careers mentioned in the video?

    -The video suggests alternative paths to technology-related careers such as getting remote jobs that teach valuable skills, attending accelerated universities like Western Governors University, and transitioning into IT jobs through practical experience and certifications, rather than solely relying on a traditional degree.

  • Why does the video suggest that health-related degrees are stable career options?

    -Health-related degrees are considered stable career options because healthcare professionals like nurses and doctors are always in demand, regardless of economic conditions. Even in extreme scenarios, such as the end of the world, healthcare providers would still be necessary to care for people.

  • What is the speaker's advice for artists who want to make a living from their art?

    -The speaker advises artists to be smart about monetizing their skills and to use technology to reach a wider audience. They suggest that artists can leverage their skills through platforms that allow them to showcase and sell their work to thousands or even millions of people.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 The Reality of College Degrees and Following Passion

This paragraph discusses the common advice of following one's passion into adulthood and the contrasting perspectives on the value of a college education. It highlights the skepticism around the traditional college path, with many questioning its worth due to rising costs and diminishing returns on investment. The speaker, having completed a doctorate, shares personal insights into the system and the regrets of many who feel their college experience did not prepare them for the workforce or align with their career goals. The paragraph sets the stage for a discussion on the importance of choosing a degree that offers both personal fulfillment and financial viability.

05:01
🧪 Chemistry and Science Degrees: Pros and Cons

The speaker delves into the specifics of science degrees, particularly chemistry, as an example. Despite the challenges and the need for higher education (master's or doctorate) for high-level jobs, chemistry ranks relatively well on the speaker's college degree ranker. The paragraph also touches on the broader context of science degrees, noting that while they are not the best at the bachelor's level, some, like chemistry, fare better than others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the value and potential of different degrees, especially in the context of the job market and the demand for specific skills.

10:02
💼 Economics and the Path to Success

This paragraph focuses on the prevalence of economics degrees among successful individuals across various fields. The speaker argues that an understanding of economics provides insight into market opportunities, which can be crucial for success. The paragraph suggests that while intelligence and hard work are important, being in an industry with ample opportunities can significantly increase the chances of success and profitability. Economics is presented as a degree that can lead to better decision-making and a higher likelihood of being in demand in the job market.

15:02
🌌 Physics and Mathematics: The Language of the Universe and Its Appeal

The paragraph discusses the prestige associated with physics and mathematics degrees, highlighting the notable figures who have pursued these fields. It emphasizes the strong statistics for physics degrees, particularly when considering the need for higher education. The speaker also notes the value of a physics degree in the finance industry and the reputation of physics graduates as intelligent individuals. Similarly, mathematics is praised for its practical applications and the high demand for mathematical skills in society, making it a potentially lucrative field for those who excel in it.

💹 Business Degrees and the Allure of Entrepreneurship

This paragraph explores the popularity and perceived ease of business degrees, which are often chosen by individuals who balance academic pursuits with a social life. Despite the stereotypes, business degrees are shown to have strong statistics, with management information systems being particularly highlighted for its combination of business and technology skills. The speaker also touches on the potential of technology to amplify other skills, such as artistic talents, and suggests that in the modern world, understanding technology can be a smart way to leverage one's abilities.

🖥️ Technology Degrees: The New Frontier

The paragraph discusses the rise of technology degrees and the notable individuals who have pursued them. It acknowledges the good statistics associated with technology degrees, such as information technology, but also points out alternative paths into technology careers that may be faster and more cost-effective. The speaker suggests that while technology degrees are not a scam, there are other ways to break into the field that may be better suited for some individuals.

🩺 Health Degrees: Stability and Necessity

This paragraph focuses on health-related degrees, particularly the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and their stability and necessity for entering the healthcare field. The speaker notes the unique position of healthcare as a stable career choice, even in apocalyptic scenarios. The paragraph also mentions the high rankings of nursing and physician assistant degrees on the college degree ranker, emphasizing the solid options that health-related professions offer.

🏗️ Engineering Degrees: The Masters of the Universe

The paragraph discusses the prestige and practical problem-solving skills associated with engineering degrees. It highlights the difficulty and selective nature of these programs, which can lead to high demand and respect for engineers in the job market. The speaker notes that engineering degrees have historically led to high earnings and that they are highly ranked on the college degree ranker. However, the paragraph also points out that computer science stands above all other degrees.

💻 Computer Science: The Top Degree

The final paragraph of the script focuses on computer science as the number one degree on the speaker's college degree ranker. It discusses the benefits of a career in software development, including high salaries, good work-life balance, and the potential for multiple job opportunities. The paragraph also touches on the FIRE movement and the prevalence of technology jobs among its members. The speaker emphasizes that while computer science is highly recommended, it's important to choose a degree that aligns with one's skill set and personal goals.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡College Degree Value
The value of a college degree refers to the worth or usefulness of obtaining a higher education degree, often measured in terms of career opportunities, income potential, and personal fulfillment. In the video, it is discussed that the value of a college degree has been decreasing over time due to rising costs and saturation in the job market, yet it remains a significant investment for many individuals.
💡Student Loan Debt
Student loan debt refers to the financial obligation students incur to pay for their higher education, which can become a burden and influence their post-graduation decisions. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as one of the main reasons for regret among college graduates, as they may struggle to repay their loans with the income from their chosen careers.
💡Career Preparation
Career preparation encompasses the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained through education and training that prepare individuals for their professional lives. The video emphasizes the importance of choosing a degree that aligns with one's career goals and provides the necessary preparation for the workforce.
💡Supply and Demand
Supply and demand is an economic principle that describes the relationship between the quantity of a commodity that producers wish to sell and the quantity that consumers wish to buy. In the video, this concept is applied to the job market, explaining why the value of a college degree has changed over time due to an increase in supply (number of graduates) without a corresponding demand from employers.
💡STEM Degrees
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and degrees in these fields are often considered to lead to high-paying jobs and promising careers. The video discusses the perception that STEM degrees are universally valuable, but also points out that not all STEM degrees are equally beneficial, especially at the bachelor's level.
💡Economics Degree
An economics degree focuses on the study of production, consumption, and transfer of wealth, providing graduates with a strong understanding of economic systems and principles. In the video, it is noted that many famous and successful individuals have economics degrees, suggesting that this field of study can offer valuable insights for various career paths.
💡Physics Degree
A physics degree involves the study of matter and energy, and the fundamental laws governing the universe. The video highlights that while a bachelor's degree in physics may not lead directly to a career as a physicist, it is valued by employers in finance and other industries for the analytical and problem-solving skills it imparts.
💡Healthcare Degrees
Healthcare degrees are academic qualifications that prepare individuals for careers in the medical field, such as nursing, medicine, and healthcare administration. The video emphasizes the stability and necessity of healthcare careers, making these degrees a solid investment for many.
💡Engineering Degrees
Engineering degrees prepare students for careers in designing, building, and maintaining various systems and structures. The video positions engineering as a highly respected field, with a natural barrier to entry and a reputation for producing smart, hardworking problem solvers.
💡Computer Science Degree
A computer science degree focuses on the study of computers and computational systems, preparing graduates for roles in software development, programming, and other technology-centric fields. The video ranks computer science as the top degree due to its high demand, excellent salary potential, and the practical skills it imparts.
💡Opportunity
Opportunity refers to a set of favorable circumstances that allow for progress or success. In the context of the video, it emphasizes the importance of choosing a degree and career path that aligns with areas of growth and demand in the job market.
Highlights

The advice commonly given by parents and counselors to follow one's passion is contrasted with the skepticism found online about the value of a college education.

The speaker shares personal experience with the college system, having obtained a doctorate and worked in the medical profession.

The value of a college degree has been decreasing over time while the cost has been increasing.

Nearly 70% of people are attending college, making a degree less rare and thus less valuable.

40% of college students drop out, and two-thirds of those who graduate have regrets, often due to college debt and lack of job preparedness.

Only one in four people end up working in a career related to their degree choice.

The importance of choosing a degree that offers a good return on investment, especially when considering student loans.

Science degrees, particularly at the bachelor's level, are not as valuable as other degrees, with chemistry being one of the better options.

Economics degrees have been pursued by many famous individuals across different fields, offering a good understanding of the economy and opportunities.

Physics degrees are associated with some of the most brilliant minds in history and can lead to success in various industries, including finance.

Mathematics and statistics degrees are highly valued, with many successful individuals in technology and finance having studied these subjects.

Business degrees have a reputation for being relatively easy and are pursued by many famous personalities, offering practical skills and technology integration.

Technology-related degrees are increasingly popular and have good job prospects, but there are alternative, faster, and cheaper ways to enter tech careers.

Health-related degrees, particularly nursing, offer stable careers and are essential for entering the healthcare profession.

Engineering degrees are challenging and prestigious, teaching practical problem-solving skills and leading to high-paying jobs.

Computer science degrees rank highest, offering excellent job prospects, work-life balance, and the potential for entrepreneurship.

The video aims to help viewers understand the best degrees for investment and how to choose a degree that aligns with their goals and skillset.

Transcripts
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