The first national study of its kind, “Humanities Majors at Work in All 50 States: What They Earn, What They Do,” reveals humanities graduates' undeniable successes in the U.S. workforce pursuing careers in a very diverse array of professions and enjoying both earning power and low unemployment rates that defy negative public perceptions and concerns circulating in the media currently about the ROI on a college degree.
Conducted under the leadership of Rob Townsend (PhD History ‘09), who serves as the Director of Humanities, Arts, and Culture Programs at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and supported by a generous grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this study draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and “reinforces that a college degree in humanities is a solid step toward securing meaningful employment. Humanities graduates exhibit adaptability in an ever-evolving job market. They offer a broader perspective on career development, challenge stereotypes, and prove that humanities degrees are a valuable investment," Townsend noted.
In the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region, humanities graduates have an impressively low unemployment rate of just 2.6%, tied with engineering and business graduates. Areas of employment with substantial numbers of humanities graduates include the legal profession and museum/library professions as well as management and education. In stark contrast, individuals in the DMV with only a high school diploma face a staggering 10% unemployment rate.
Recent evidence shows that humanities graduates have a higher degree completion rate than their peers, Townsend observed. And these graduates report higher job satisfaction rates, highlighting their contentment with fulfilling work.
David Rehr (Economics MA ‘89, PhD ’98), professor and director of the Center for Business Civic Engagement in the Schar School of Public Policy and Government and a member of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities’ Board of Directors, notes, "I think that the humanities force us to examine our own value system, no matter what that is. Humanities graduates want to impact society positively, to make a real, lasting impact. They want to know they are doing something for the betterment of our world.”
Rehr emphasizes the critical role of the humanities as a moral compass guiding technological advancements and ensuring that human interactions and ethics take precedence in a world rapidly advancing in technology.
“This study offers ample evidence that choosing a humanities degree transcends mere passion—it is an astute and pragmatic choice,” Ann Ardis, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, observed. “Humanities graduates are not just pursuing their personal interests; they are thriving in a broad range of lucrative and meaningful careers that are integral to the U.S. workforce.”
About the Humanities Indicators project
The Humanities Indicators project is an essential source of information about humanities education and careers, serving as a resource for students, educators, policymakers, and the public. This comprehensive study challenges stereotypes and illustrates the practical value of humanities degrees, offering a powerful tool for decision-making in the modern job market. It is a crucial initiative to support students in their pursuit of fulfilling careers that contribute to society and enhance individual lives. For more information and detailed statistics, please visit the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
October 27, 2023