Recent findings have upended long-held assumptions about the safest bets for employability among new graduates. According to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, college students majoring in nutrition sciences, construction services, and animal/plant sciences are enjoying the lowest unemployment rates in the nation—outperforming even the much-heralded STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. This data, tracking U.S. graduates aged 22 to 27, reveals how shifting workforce needs are redrawing the map for university-bound students in 2025 (Entrepreneur).
This news holds particular resonance for Thai students and their families, many of whom traditionally view STEM education as the most secure pathway to higher earnings and career stability. Yet the latest numbers tell a more nuanced story. The unemployment rate among recent U.S. graduates overall reached 5.5% in February 2025—significantly higher than the 2.6% rate for all college graduates. Still, graduates in nutrition sciences, construction services, and animal/plant sciences each posted unemployment rates of just 1% or less. In contrast, new graduates from fields such as computer science (6.1%), chemistry (6.0%), and physics (7.5%) face much higher odds of joblessness, despite their technical skills and perceived market value.
One counterintuitive highlight of the report is the success of so-called “impractical” majors. Art history, for example, recorded an unemployment rate of only 3%, and philosophy fared almost as well at 3.2%. Both are below the April 2025 U.S. national unemployment average of 4.2%. These findings echo trends seen in Thailand, where graduates from certain liberal arts or social science programs have historically adapted flexibly to economic shifts.
Nevertheless, the numbers also underscore stark differences in pay. Computer science and engineering graduates still command the highest starting salaries, with median annual earnings of around $80,000—nearly double what art history and English majors bring home. Nutrition graduates, however, see an impressive median income of $75,000, a figure that rivals salaries in technology fields and significantly exceeds the 2023 U.S. median personal income of $42,220 (US Census Bureau). In Thailand, nutrition and food science have also begun gaining momentum, reflecting growing public health awareness and demand for wellness professionals (NSTDA).
One insight from the Federal Reserve report is the importance of graduate study. Nearly half of art history, nutrition, and philosophy students, and an even greater proportion of chemistry and physics majors, continued their education to master’s or doctoral level. This trend is consistent worldwide, including in Thailand, where postgraduate credentials are increasingly essential for advancement in specialized fields (Thai Ministry of Education).
Experts in both academia and business are taking note of these shifts. The chief operating officer of BlackRock, a leading international investment firm, has gone on record advocating for the recruitment of humanities graduates—even within the finance and tech sectors. “We need people who majored in history or English… that diversity of thinking and diversity of looking at different ways to solve problems really fuels innovation,” he stated at a recent conference. Similarly, the chief information officer of Goldman Sachs suggested that with artificial intelligence now handling much of the coding once assigned to computer engineers, a pairing of technical and philosophical training may become the new gold standard in tech hiring (Entrepreneur).
The trend toward automation is accelerating pressure on young professionals to distinguish themselves beyond technical proficiency. In April 2025, Microsoft’s chief executive said their engineers now use AI to write 20–30% of their code, and Google’s CEO put their company’s figure at over 30%. These remarks highlight a global shift that Thai educators and students should carefully consider. As AI tools become more prevalent, the ability to offer complex reasoning, ethical insight, and creative thought—once considered the exclusive domain of “softer” majors—will only grow in value (Reuters).
For Thailand’s extensive higher education sector, these findings suggest a rethink may be in order. Traditional perceptions of prestige and security tied to STEM degrees are being challenged not by a loss of value in science, but by recognition of the employability and diverse skills cultivated in other disciplines. Nutrition sciences, for example, have particular importance in the Thai context, given the nation’s leadership in global food exports, culinary innovation, and rising public health standards.
Likewise, the humanities—often viewed as an indulgence in the local context—are proving their worth not only through steady employment but also via their integration into cutting-edge fields. Technology firms in Asia and beyond are increasingly seeking staff who can navigate ethical dilemmas, communicate complex ideas, and adapt to rapid social and scientific change. The call from multinational employers for humanities graduates is a signal Thai universities and policymakers cannot afford to ignore (Bangkok Post).
Historically, Thai students and parents have been influenced by a high respect for technical and medical professions, a trend bolstered by scholarship programs and government guidance. However, the landscape is clearly evolving. During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Thailand’s economy proved the value of adaptable skills, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for public health professionals and communicators who could bridge scientific and societal divides (World Bank).
Looking ahead, the education sector in Thailand faces the challenge—and opportunity—of calibrating curricula to match global needs. The rise of artificial intelligence, the globalization of food and nutrition industries, and the premium on critical thinking all suggest that a diversified approach to higher education strategy is vital. For students, the lesson is clear: rather than simply chasing “hot” majors based on outdated assumptions, it is critical to consider long-term employability, earnings, and the likelihood of needing further education.
For Thai students setting goals for university, practical steps include exploring interdisciplinary programs that combine science with humanities or social science perspectives. It is increasingly wise to pursue majors not just based on perceived popularity, but on data-driven trends, emerging sector demands, and personal aptitudes. University guidance counselors and policymakers should also encourage flexible, lifelong learning paths and bolster soft skills alongside technical training (UNESCO).
Ultimately, the message for Thai society is one of open-minded optimism. As global employers seek out graduates with scientific, creative, and ethical expertise, Thailand’s investment in diverse educational pathways may prove its smartest move yet.