What courses have the highest dropout rate?

Courses with the highest dropout rates typically fall under STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with Computer Science, Engineering, and some Math/Physics often cited as having high attrition due to challenging concepts, intense workloads (like calculus), and a mismatch between student expectations and the rigorous reality of the subjects. Business, Journalism, and Art also appear on lists of majors with significant early departures.

What course has the highest dropout rate?

Their insights reveal that computer sciences are the subjects which suffer from the highest dropout rate at 9.8%, with medicine, dentistry and veterinary science being the subjects which see the lowest, at just 1.5%. There could be many reasons for a student to drop out of education.

What career has the highest drop out rate?

While students choose to drop out of college for many reasons, including cost, time commitment, and coursework difficulty, the major they choose also has an impact. Students who major in computer science tend to have the highest dropout rate, followed by advertising and agriculture majors.

What degree has the highest drop out rate?

Computer science majors have the highest dropout rate at 10.7%. Nearly one-third of dropouts are due to personal or family issues.

Which program has the highest dropout rate?

In 2025, the situation remains critical, with Computer Science majors experiencing a dropout rate of 10.7%, the highest among all college majors.

College Degrees With The HIGHEST Dropout Rates!

Why is Gen Z skipping college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to sky-high costs, massive student debt, and a shaky job market where degrees don't guarantee success, leading many to explore lucrative alternatives like trade schools, entrepreneurship, or acquiring digital skills, valuing direct career entry and financial independence over traditional four-year paths. They see past generations struggling with loans and uncertain job prospects, shifting focus to better Return on Investment (ROI), with many regretting college or seeking more practical, cheaper education. 

What are the 10 hardest majors?

CollegeVine's Top 10 Hardest Majors

• Electrical Engineering. Average GPA: 3.3.
• Physics. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Architecture. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
• Nursing. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Accounting. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Cellular and Molecular Biology. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Philosophy. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Fine Arts. Average GPA: 3.2. Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.1. ...

Who is most at risk for dropping out of college?

Income level: Students from low-income families have a much higher risk of leaving college, driven by both affordability and life pressures. First-generation college status: First-generation status is a strong risk factor for dropping out.

Is 60% at uni a 2:1?

Yes, 60% at a UK university is generally the start of an Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) degree, which is the second-highest classification and a very respectable achievement, typically ranging from 60% to 69%. While 60% is the minimum for a 2:1, some universities might have slightly different cutoffs or allow for borderline cases, so always check your specific university's regulations. 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

What majors are declining?

History As a percentage of all bachelor's degrees, history has fallen to some of its lowest points since the 1980s. Foreign Languages and Literatures This field has also seen a considerable drop in the number of degrees awarded since the 1970s and 1980s.

What is the #1 hardest college to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What is the top 5 hardest degrees?

Hardest Degrees

• Engineering. Engineering carries a reputation for being one of the hardest uni courses because it blends advanced maths, physics and real-world problem solving. ...
• Chemical Engineering. ...
• Computer Science. ...
• Medicine. ...
• Law. ...
• Architecture. ...
• Mathematics. ...
• Philosophy.

What is the most failed course?

According to study after study, Algebra 1 is highlighted as the most failed course in America. Some estimates say that as many as 40% of students take the course more than once in order to achieve an acceptable grade.

Which course is more in demand?

The most demanding courses often involve complex STEM fields, requiring strong math and problem-solving, such as Computer Science, Engineering (Aeronautical, Chemical), Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, while also including fields like Architecture, Pharmacy, and Finance due to intensive research, technical skills, and industry demand. These courses are demanding due to their rigorous curriculum, constant evolution, and high career prospects in growing sectors like tech, healthcare, and engineering. 

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to sky-high costs, massive student debt, and a shaky job market where degrees don't guarantee success, leading many to explore lucrative alternatives like trade schools, entrepreneurship, or acquiring digital skills, valuing direct career entry and financial independence over traditional four-year paths. They see past generations struggling with loans and uncertain job prospects, shifting focus to better Return on Investment (ROI), with many regretting college or seeking more practical, cheaper education. 

What is the most regretted major?

Journalism is considered one of the most regretted majors by college alum across the United States, according to CNBC. As of 2022, it is the top most regretted major, and about 87% of journalism graduates would have studied something different if they could.

What is the #1 reason students drop out of college?

The leading causes of college dropouts are intertwined financial pressures, significant mental health challenges (stress, anxiety, burnout), and work/family obligations, often creating an overwhelming situation where students can't afford or manage the demands, with cost being a primary barrier cited by nearly 60% of students considering leaving. While finances often trigger the thought of leaving, emotional stress and mental health issues are now major drivers, sometimes even surpassing financial concerns in reported reasons for withdrawal, alongside difficulties balancing studies with work and family care. 

What course guarantees a high salary?

10 High Paying Degrees

• Petroleum Engineering. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. ...
• Computer Science. ...
• Pharmacy. ...
• Electrical Engineering. ...
• Finance. ...
• Nursing (Advanced Practice) ...
• Law. ...
• Actuarial Science.

What is the most stressful course in the world?

According to many student surveys and research, Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering degrees are considered the most stressful, due to intensive workload, long study hours, practical sessions, and high expectations for academic and clinical excellence.

What degree will be in demand in 2030?

What are the top majors that will be in high demand by 2030? Computer science, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are expected to be in high demand by 2030. Healthcare-related majors like nursing and biomedical engineering will also see strong growth.

What is the #1 easiest major?

There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your strengths, but Psychology, Education, English, and Criminal Justice frequently rank as the easiest due to higher average GPAs and less demanding technical skills compared to STEM fields, often focusing on human behavior, societal structures, and communication. Majors like Sociology, Social Work, and Communications are also commonly cited as easier liberal arts options. 

Which degree leads to the highest burnout?

Architecture. Architecture is known as one of the degrees that leads to the highest mental burnout due to its intense studio culture, long working hours, and demanding design expectations. Students often spend nights completing models, drawings, and critiques, which can lead to stress and exhaustion.

What is the rarest major?

There isn't one single "rarest major," but rather a group of very niche fields like Puppet Arts, Egyptology, Ecogastronomy, Bagpiping, and Fermentation Science, often offered at specific universities, attracting few students due to their specialized nature, limited broad career paths, or unique focus, though they can lead to rewarding careers in arts, museums, parks, or food industries.