10 College Majors That Leave Graduates With the Most Student Loan Debt

Nearly half of college students take out student loans, with a median debt of around $25,000 upon obtaining their bachelor's degree, as per the National Center for Education Statistics. Certain majors, however, leave graduates with significantly more debt than others. Curriculum and instruction majors carry the highest median debt, borrowing over $20,000 more than the typical bachelor's graduate.

This field prepares students for careers as education researchers or policymakers, or as a stepping stone to graduate-level teaching programs.

Behavioral sciences majors follow closely, with a median debt of $44,554. Those with this degree often work in counseling, social services, and research. The median student loan debt for complementary and alternative medicine majors ranks fourth at over $40,000. These programs encompass fields such as acupuncture, naturopathy, and other unconventional approaches to healthcare.

Engineering-related technology majors have borrowed an average of $41,308 by graduation. While this major varies in specializations, it generally focuses on applied engineering and real-world scenarios. The choice of major can significantly impact both earning potential after college and the amount of debt a student must take on to achieve it.

When considering a major, it's crucial to weigh not only the potential earnings after graduation but also the associated student loan debt. A bachelor's degree can incur varying costs, especially if financial aid is not available, the school is expensive, or if it takes longer than four years to complete. Some degrees also come with higher unemployment rates or lower salaries.

If students find themselves struggling with student loan payments, they should explore their repayment and relief options, such as forbearance, deferment, or income-driven repayment plans, to avoid missed payments or default.