While some people choose their major based on salary potential, there are people who are driven to make the world a better place. For people who care more about doing what they were born to do, it may not matter that their college degree of choice made the list for the 10 lowest paying college degrees by starting salary.
- Child and Family Studies. A great degree for people who are interested in working with children and families or teaching pre-school….
Median starting salary: $29,500. Median mid-career salary: $38,400 - Elementary Education. A popular college degree is in elementary education where teachers work hard to provide foundational learning for the nation’s children and get three months a year off. A definite perk.
Median starting salary: $31,600. Median mid-career salary: $44,400 - Social Work. A natural choice for people who want to make a difference in the world, social work is for people with a servant’s heart. The silver lining is that there are many opportunities in the field for people with a social work degree.
Median starting salary: $31,800. Median mid-career salary: $44,900 - Exercise Science. Graduates of an exercise science program can go on to become personal trainers, fitness instructors, or physical education teachers in the public school system.
Median starting salary: $32,800. Median mid-career salary: $59,000 - Athletic Training. When an athlete is injured, professionals in athletic trainers are the people they turn to with help for rehabilitation and prevention of injury. They are a critical link between the doctor, coach, and athlete to ensure they’re ready to return.
Median starting salary: $32,800. Median mid-career salary:$45,700 - Recreation and Leisure Studies. A degree in this industry will mean helping people live healthier lives by providing resources within the community for recreation and leisure.
Median starting salary: $33,300. Median mid-career salary: $53,200 - Art. An art degree can lead to being a full-time fine artist, photographer, art teacher, artistic director, or graphic designer. 62% of artists are self-employed, which can sometimes be an unreliable source of income.
Median starting salary: $33,500. Median mid-career salary: $54,800 - Kinesiology. The degree which involves the study of the body can lead to a job in research, personal training, physical education, or coaching.
Median starting salary: $34,400. Median mid-career salary: $61,600 - Interior Design. Interior design involves a study of art, architecture, design, and psychology, learning the different elements of how to decorate homes and commercial offices. Certification is required in several states, and a period of apprenticeship before you can become a licensed interior designer.
Median starting salary: $34,400. Median mid-career salary: $56,600 - Zoology. People who love animals are drawn to zoology which allows them to study animals in their natural habitats as well as in captivity. A background in biology, chemistry, and math is valuable.
Median starting salary: $34,600. Median mid-career salary: $56,600
Source: Payscale