Certain academic paths repeatedly show low career alignment, limited job openings, and below average starting salaries in 2018 data. Learners attracted by personal interest sometimes discover that specific degrees deliver weak employment outcomes and earnings compared with similar credential levels.
Below is a detailed snapshot of fields that ranked among the toughest degrees in 2018 regarding job prospects, wage performance, and advancement potential.
| Degree Field | Typical Starting Salary (2018) | Industry Demand Level | Job Growth 2016–2026 | Career Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | $38,000 | Low | 5% | Moderate |
| Philosophy | $42,000 | Limited | 7% | Moderate |
| Fine Arts | $36,000 | Very Low | 1% | High |
| Social Work | $40,000 | Moderate | 16% | Moderate |
| Criminal Justice | $39,000 | Moderate | 5% | Low |
Evaluating earning potential across disciplines
Entry level income trends
In 2018, graduates from degrees with oversupply and narrow technical requirements often reported the lowest entry salaries. Fields like fine arts and anthropology typically offered fewer high paying corporate roles, which pulled down median starting wages.
Employment sectors and hiring outlook
Sector specific opportunities in 2018
Understanding where employers were actively recruiting helped graduates pivot into stronger industries. Some disciplines aligned mainly with public sector, nonprofit, or education roles, while others struggled to find consistent private demand.
Skills long term value and market signals
Future proofing your educational investment
Even degrees labeled as worst degrees 2018 could still build transferable skills when paired with internships, certifications, or complementary technical training. Market demand shifted quickly toward data literacy, digital tools, and hybrid skill sets that blended humanities training with analytics.
Higher education returns and alternatives
Comparing cost outcomes and career switches
Rising tuition amplified the impact of weak earnings for certain programs. Learners reviewing worst degrees 2018 often considered shorter credentials, stackable certificates, or cross functional minors to enter higher demand sectors without abandoning their academic interests.
Key takeaways and recommended actions
- Research starting salaries and job growth before enrolling in any program.
- Combine your interest area with marketable skills like data analysis, digital tools, or project management.
- Seek internships, portfolios, and certifications that demonstrate applied competence to employers.
- Compare program costs against realistic income scenarios to manage debt effectively.
- Stay adaptable by updating skills regularly through short courses and industry networking.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do humanities degrees lead to unemployment?
Many graduates find work, but underemployment and slower wage growth were common in 2018, especially without complementary technical or business skills.
Are low paying degrees always a bad investment?
Not always, if you pair the degree with internships, side projects, and targeted certifications that bridge skill gaps for employer needs.
Which jobs are hardest to get with a philosophy degree?
Highly specialized corporate roles in engineering, data science, and finance often require additional technical training beyond a philosophy background.
Can fine arts graduates earn above average wages?
Top performers in digital media, user experience, and entertainment can outearn peers, but the field remains competitive with many low paid entry positions.