Every major is scored on a 10-point Future-Proof Score made up of three equally weighted factors. Here is exactly where each score comes from:
- AI Disruption Resistance (1-10): This score draws on published research from Goldman Sachs, the Oxford University Future of Employment study (Frey and Osborne), the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025, and Brookings Institution occupational exposure research. Fields where the work is physical, relational, creative, or requires complex human judgment score highest. Fields where tasks are routine, repetitive, or language-based score lower. A 10 means AI cannot meaningfully replicate the core work. A 1 means the core tasks are already being automated.
- Job Growth Outlook (1-10): Scores are based directly on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-2034 employment projections, published August 2025. A 10 reflects projected growth of 15% or more. A 7 reflects growth of 4-7% (near or above average). A 4-5 reflects flat or declining projections. Where BLS data shows a specific number, that number is cited in the major description.
- Earning Potential (1-10): Scores reflect BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) median annual wages for 2024, combined with long-term earning trajectory data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Strada Institute. A 10 reflects median career earnings above $100,000. A 6-7 reflects solid middle-income outcomes. A 4-5 reflects fields where starting wages are modest and the ceiling is limited without advanced credentials.
The Future-Proof Score is the average of these three. Scores of 8-10 are Strong, 6-7.9 are Solid, and 4-5.9 are Emerging.
A note on major names
The majors listed here reflect common, broadly recognized program names. At many schools, the same field may go by a slightly different name or have a unique concentration attached to it. Before committing to any major, we strongly encourage students to pull up the actual course catalog at any school they are considering. Read what courses are required, what electives are available, and what the program is actually preparing graduates to do. Two schools can offer the same major name and deliver very different educations. The name is a starting point, not the full picture.
A note on graduate degrees
For some majors, a bachelor's degree is a strong standalone credential that leads directly to well-paying careers. For others, a graduate degree, such as a master's, law degree, medical degree, or doctoral program, is what unlocks the most competitive roles and the highest earning potential. The scores in this tool reflect typical outcomes at the bachelor's level unless otherwise noted. If a field interests your student, it is worth researching what the most successful professionals in that field typically hold as credentials. In many cases, a well-chosen graduate degree does not just make a student more marketable. It can fundamentally change the trajectory of their career.