Let’s be honest: choosing your college major can be really stressful. It feels like a high-stakes decision — and it is. You want something that aligns with your interests but also sets you up for a paycheck that doesn’t make you cry every month. The dream (for pretty much everyone) is a major that’s both easy and lucrative. But are easy majors that pay well even possible?
Well, if you’d prefer to avoid all-nighters filled with complicated equations or endless lab reports, we have good news: It is possible to choose a manageable major that will still land you a solid job.
This way, you can graduate without losing your sanity.
(P.S. If you’re still figuring out what a major even is, check out our blog that answers the question, What is a major in college?).
What Makes a Major “Easy”?
Before we get into our list of easy college majors that pay well, let’s get one thing out of the way: what’s “easy” depends on you. If you love numbers, accounting might feel like a breeze. But for someone else? It might be a total nightmare.
Generally, though, “easy” majors tend to have:
- Manageable workloads (think fewer lab reports and more essays or practical work).
- Flexible course options (so you can take classes that align with your strengths or interests).
- Accessible material (stuff that feels more “makes sense!” and less “what is this?!?”)
For some perspective, you can compare these majors with more intense options. STEM fields like engineering or medicine are known for being tough. In our article, we discuss some of these majors and classes and the hardest college classes you can take. Maybe you’re up for the challenge — but if not, don’t worry. Today, we’re focusing on easier paths to success.
5 Easy Majors That Pay Well
Here they are – the five easiest college majors with strong earning potential:
1. Business Administration
If you’re good at managing people or just love organizing things, business administration might be your perfect major. It covers a bit of everything — marketing, finance, operations — and gives you much flexibility in your career.
- Why it’s easy: The curriculum is broad and doesn’t go too deeply into overly technical topics.
- Median Salary: Around $72,000 annually for mid-career roles like management or operations.
- Job Outlook: Almost every industry needs business professionals, so jobs are everywhere.
2. Communications
If you enjoy talking, writing, or creating, communication might be an easy degree that pays well for you. Communications majors focus on connecting with audiences through media, marketing, and public speaking.
- Why it’s easy: Most of the work involves creativity and analysis rather than rigorous technical skills. If you enjoy brainstorming or crafting messages, you’re golden.
- Median Salary: Around $60,000 annually, with potential for six figures in senior roles.
- Job Outlook: PR specialist, marketing manager, or even media producer…so many possibilities.
3. Health Administration
Interested in healthcare but don’t want to spend years and years studying medicine? Health administration focuses on the business and management side of healthcare systems. You’ll help improve operations without ever needing a stethoscope.
- Why it’s easy: It’s more about understanding systems and policies than clinical science.
- Median Salary: Around $70,000 annually, with great growth potential as healthcare continues to expand.
- Job Outlook: Healthcare management is in high demand. That means job security is strong.
4. Marketing
Love being creative, developing strategies, and understanding why people buy things. A degree in marketing could be the right fit. Courses focus on advertising, consumer behavior, branding, and digital marketing. Feel free to check top 5 best-paying jobs in consumer services.
- Why It’s Easy: Marketing doesn’t typically involve intense technical or math-heavy work (unless you go deep into analytics), so it’s manageable for most students. Plus, it’s a lot of fun if you’re into brainstorming campaigns and analyzing trends.
- Median Salary: Around $70,000 annually, with six-figure potential for marketing managers or specialists in digital marketing.
- Job Outlook: With the consistent rise of social media and online advertising, skilled marketers are in constant demand.
5. Human Resources (HR)
If you’re a people person who enjoys problem-solving and organization, human resources might be your calling. This major focuses on understanding workplace dynamics, managing personnel, and making sure operations go smoothly in organizations of all kinds.
- Why It’s Easy: HR degrees typically skip the heavy math and technical coursework, focusing instead on communication, organizational behavior, and conflict resolution.
- Median Salary: Around $65,000 annually, with strong growth potential for HR managers.
- Job Outlook: HR roles are in demand across nearly every industry. They come with excellent job security and opportunities for advancement.
Tips for Choosing the Highest Paying Majors
If this still feels overwhelming and you’re unsure which of these easy degrees that pay well is the right fit for you, here are a few things to think about or try to help you figure it out:
- Evaluate Your Strengths and Interests: Think about what you’re naturally good at or what you enjoy doing. A major that aligns with your strengths will always feel easier.
- Research Career Options: Look into the job opportunities and salary ranges for majors you’re considering. This helps you make sure the degree is worth the investment.
- Explore Your Options: Take electives or entry-level courses in fields you’re interested in. It’s a low-pressure way to test the waters.
- Check Out “Easy Classes”: For inspiration, take a look at some of the easiest college classes to learn which courses might complement your chosen major.
Why Not Go for Easy Degrees That Pay Well?
Don’t believe anyone who tells you it’s impossible to choose a major that’s both easy and pays well — it’s doable with the proper research and mindset. What feels easy to you is personal and depends on your skills and interests. If you’re creative, maybe marketing is a great choice. But if you love working with people, human resources might feel more accessible for you.
Ultimately, think about where you want your career to go. If a strong long-term salary is your goal, explore fields with high earning potential (such as those covered in our articles on the best-paying jobs in major banks, the best-paying jobs in major chemicals and the best-paying jobs in the energy sector.
And remember, even if you choose one of these easy college majors that pay well, you’ll still need to study. With the right mix of ease and ambition, you can set yourself up for a successful career — and fewer sleepless nights along the way.
