Synopsis: From my research, I discovered that Harvard economists are warning about a major shift. Today, even top degrees no longer guarantee long-term security. Automation, AI, and constant skill shifts keep rewriting what a degree is really worth. I explain which 10 degrees are losing ground and why the future now belongs to learners who keep upgrading, not just graduates with framed certificates.
You won’t believe how fast some degrees lose their worth
I learn that many college degrees don’t promise what they once did. Harvard economists noticed that even big degrees like MBA, computer science, and engineering lose value over time. Job markets change fast. Skills get old fast. And degrees alone can’t keep up.
I also found that even top MBA grads struggle now. A famous name or fancy campus doesn’t secure a job anymore. Companies look for skills, not just certificates.
The humanities are also losing students. English, history, sociology - fewer people take them now. They don’t see clear job results. Employers, too, are cutting general degree demands. Instead, they ask for proof of real abilities - data work, digital tools, or creativity.
From all I learn, these 10 degrees give lower long-term returns now:
1. Business and MBA - too common in the market
2. Computer science - skills expire fast
3. Mechanical engineering - automation eats jobs
4. Accounting - AI replaces routine work
5. Biochemistry - limited jobs outside research
6. Psychology (bachelor level) - fewer direct roles
7. English and Humanities - unclear career value
8. Sociology and social sciences - weak job links
9. History - slow mid-career growth
10. Philosophy - smart thinking but no clear payback
Still, I found some hope too. Engineering, nursing, and tech majors remain strong if students keep learning. And people who mix creativity with new tech adapt best.
What's the real lesson? The future belongs to those who keep updating. The degree alone won’t save anyone. Learning never stops.
List of Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in the World 2025
The highest paid professions in the world consistently remain highly paid irrespective of factors like the company's location & size, and the level of contribution by the role. Check out the updated list of the top 20 best-paying jobs in the world in 2025 below.
- Chief Executive Officer
- Anesthesiologist
- General Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons
- Specialized Physicians, Cardiologists, Radiologists, and Oncologists
- Orthodontist
- Psychiatrist
- AI/Machine Learning Engineer
- Investment Banker
- Data Scientist
- Pilot (Airline)
- Blockchain Developer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) / IT Director
- Corporate Lawyer
- Management Consultant
- Product Manager
- Software Engineer/Architect
- Information Security Analyst / Cybersecurity Expert
- Marketing Manager
- Financial Manager
Note:- The rankings of these high-paid jobs are derived from a meticulous consideration of the average annual salary data gathered from various reputable online sources. It is important to note that the actual salaries may vary on the basis of various factors, such as experience, location, and organization.
Topics covered: Highest paying jobs in the world, Best career options after graduation, Top jobs with the highest salary in 2025, Future-proof careers for students, Highest salary jobs without an advanced degree.
