In 2025, many American students overlook certain college majors that can lead to high-paying and satisfying careers. Often, students choose popular or “trendy” majors like business, engineering, or computer science without realizing that less obvious options can offer equal or better opportunities.

This is a common challenge. Students may miss out on majors that provide strong job growth, competitive salaries, and flexibility. By focusing only on well-known programs, they risk entering crowded job markets with fierce competition.

Understanding the most underrated college majors in the USA with great careers can help students make smarter choices. These majors combine practical skills, career versatility, and strong earning potential. By choosing an underrated major, students can gain an edge in the U.S. job market while pursuing a rewarding career.

Why Underrated Majors Matter for U.S. Students in 2025

College is a significant investment for American students. Rising tuition costs and student loans make it critical to select a major that offers value, job security, and career growth.

Underrated majors often provide:

• Lower competition in the job market

• Opportunities in emerging industries

• High salary potential

• Transferable skills across multiple careers

In 2025, industries like healthcare, technology, sustainability, and skilled trades are growing rapidly. Students who choose majors aligned with these sectors—even if they are less popular—can secure excellent career opportunities.

Top Underrated College Majors With Strong Careers

Below is a list of underrated majors that provide great career paths. Each section explains why the major is undervalued, career opportunities, and potential earnings.

1. Supply Chain Management / Logistics

Supply chain and logistics are critical to businesses, especially with the rise of e-commerce and global trade.

Why Supply Chain Management Is Underrated

• Many students overlook logistics as “boring” or “technical.”

• Employers in the U.S. struggle to find skilled supply chain professionals.

• Opportunities exist in almost every industry, from manufacturing to retail.

Career Opportunities

• Supply chain analyst

• Logistics coordinator

• Operations manager

• Procurement specialist

Average Salary

$55,000 – $80,000

2. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This major focuses on workplace behavior and organizational efficiency. It combines psychology with business.

Why It’s Underrated

• Few students know about this specialty.

• Companies in the U.S. are increasing investment in employee engagement and productivity.

• Graduates can work in HR, consulting, or corporate training.

Career Opportunities

• Human resources analyst

• Organizational consultant

• Talent development manager

• Employee experience coordinator

Average Salary

$60,000 – $90,000

3. Actuarial Science

Actuarial science uses math and statistics to assess risk in insurance, finance, and investment.

Why Actuarial Science Is Underrated

• Perceived as too math-heavy, so many students avoid it.

• U.S. companies offer high salaries to qualified actuaries due to demand.

• Certification leads to very stable careers.

Career Opportunities

• Actuary

• Risk analyst

• Pension consultant

• Insurance underwriter

Average Salary

$70,000 – $100,000

4. Health Informatics / Health Information Management

This major blends healthcare and technology, preparing students to manage medical data and improve patient outcomes.

Why It’s Underrated

• Students often overlook it because it’s not directly patient-facing.

• Growing U.S. healthcare sector demands professionals skilled in electronic health records (EHR) and data analytics.

• Offers remote and flexible work options.

Career Opportunities

• Health informatics specialist

• Medical records manager

• Clinical data analyst

• Health IT consultant

Average Salary

$55,000 – $85,000

5. Construction Management

Construction management combines project management with engineering and business principles.

Why It’s Underrated

• Students underestimate the industry due to misconceptions about manual labor.

• U.S. construction industry faces a skilled labor shortage.

• Careers offer high pay and leadership opportunities.

Career Opportunities

• Construction manager

• Project coordinator

• Estimator

• Site supervisor

Average Salary

$60,000 – $95,000

6. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS majors use mapping and spatial analysis to solve problems in urban planning, environmental science, and logistics.

Why GIS Is Underrated

• Many students have never heard of GIS as a major.

• GIS skills are in high demand in government, tech, and environmental sectors.

• Offers specialized, high-paying opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.

Career Opportunities

• GIS analyst

• Urban planner

• Environmental consultant

• Cartographer

Average Salary

$50,000 – $80,000

7. Packaging Engineering

Packaging engineering involves designing and developing product packaging that is functional, sustainable, and marketable.

Why It’s Underrated

• Students often think it’s only about boxes or labels.

• Companies value packaging engineers for reducing costs and improving sustainability.

• Growing demand in consumer goods and e-commerce sectors.

Career Opportunities

• Packaging engineer

• Product development specialist

• Sustainability consultant

• Materials engineer

Average Salary

$55,000 – $85,000

8. Occupational Therapy / Kinesiology

Occupational therapy and kinesiology focus on helping patients improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life.

Why It’s Underrated

• Students may prefer direct medical majors like nursing.

• U.S. population aging increases demand for rehabilitation professionals.

• Offers rewarding and flexible careers.

Career Opportunities

• Occupational therapist

• Physical therapy assistant

• Rehabilitation specialist

• Wellness coordinator

Average Salary

$50,000 – $80,000

9. Technical Writing

Technical writing prepares students to create manuals, guides, and documentation for products, technology, and services.

Why It’s Underrated

• Often overlooked because it’s perceived as “writing only.”

• U.S. tech companies, medical device firms, and manufacturing companies need skilled technical writers.

• Remote work opportunities are abundant.

Career Opportunities

• Technical writer

• Documentation specialist

• Content developer

• Instructional designer

Average Salary

$55,000 – $75,000

10. Renewable Energy / Sustainable Engineering

This major focuses on designing and implementing renewable energy systems.

Why It’s Underrated

• Some students avoid engineering due to perceived difficulty.

• U.S. demand for clean energy professionals is growing rapidly in 2025.

• Careers are high-paying and impactful for society.

Career Opportunities

• Solar engineer

• Wind energy technician

• Sustainability consultant

• Energy project manager

Average Salary

$60,000 – $90,000

Summary Table: Most Underrated College Majors With Great Careers

Final Thoughts

In 2025, American students have more options than ever for rewarding careers. While popular majors may feel safe, underrated majors often offer strong demand, high salaries, and less competition. Fields like supply chain management, industrial-organizational psychology, and GIS provide versatility and stability.

Students who explore these underrated majors can secure fulfilling careers, avoid crowded job markets, and maximize their return on investment. By considering overlooked options, students in the U.S. can make informed choices that prepare them for a prosperous and adaptable future.