Political Science

Political Science is often a pre-law gamble that backfires. Over 60% of graduates do not attend law school, and those who do face a median LSAT score just 2 points higher than philosophy majors. The degree's median mid-career salary is $72,000—30% lower than the average for all social science majors—and unemployment rates for new grads hit 7.5%, higher than #8 Entrepreneurship's 6.8%. While it develops analytical skills, entry-level jobs often require a master's degree, adding another $50,000 in debt. For non-law aspirants, economics or data science offers twice the earning potential with better job placement.