Humanities Degree Pursuit Declines to Record Lows in 2025

Recent analysis from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the humanities has plummeted, hitting the lowest point since 1991. Last year, U.S. colleges conferred just 164,847 undergraduate humanities degrees, nearly a third lower than the peak in 2012.

The academy's research, which examines data from the U.S. Department of Education dating back to 1987, shows that humanities degrees accounted for only 3.4% of all degrees conferred in 2025, a stark contrast to the 17.2% share in 1967. For a focused look at specific fields such as history, English, and philosophy, the decline is even more pronounced, reaching historical lows.

Declining Interest and Future Projections

Since 2012, almost every discipline within the humanities has seen a decrease in degree conferrals. The sharpest decline occurred in religious studies, down by 56.3%, while world languages and literature dropped by 50.8%. English and history degrees followed closely with declines of 43.8% and 40.6%, respectively. It's essential to highlight that these figures do not include double majors, which could alter the overall narrative of this trend.

The future doesn’t look promising for humanities programs. The academy notes that the decline in degree conferrals often acts as a lagging indicator, which means that what's happening now reflects wider trends that may have been in the works for years. In fall 2025, the number of students majoring in humanities fields was just 398,589, a staggering drop of 28% from a decade earlier. The analysis points to a consistent downward trend, with an average annual decline of 3.8% since fall 2020. Without significant changes, this trajectory suggests humanities programs may continue to wither.

Underlying Causes and Educational Shifts

While the exact reasons for this trend remain somewhat nebulous, the academy points to several contributing factors. Increasing concerns regarding employability are at the forefront. Many students are prioritizing degrees perceived to offer more straightforward career paths, like those in business or technology, potentially viewing humanities as a less viable option in today's job market. The impact of standardized testing on humanities subjects also plays a role, as standardized assessments often emphasize quantitative and technical skills, sidelining critical thinking and creativity nurtured in the humanities.

Moreover, as educational trajectories shift, there's a waning interest among young individuals in pursuing teaching careers within these fields. Some argue this is partly due to lower salaries and job security for educators in humanities compared to their counterparts in STEM fields. (And this is the part most people overlook.) If you consider the salary and job market differences, it’s no surprise many students are gravitating towards more secure or lucrative paths.

Conversely, post-pandemic enrollment in business, engineering, natural sciences, and health-related fields has surged. This marks a significant shift in educational priorities and student interests, as these areas are often viewed as gateways to more immediate job opportunities. According to the same analysis, business majors alone accounted for about 1.6 million students in 2025, making it the clear choice among undergraduate programs. The contrast in enrollment figures clearly highlights a systemic pivot away from humanities disciplines.

Implications and Future Outlook

The implications of these trends could be far-reaching. A decline in humanities degrees not only impacts individual students and institutions but also raises questions about the wider societal appreciation for the arts and sciences. If the number of graduates with strong skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness continues to dwindle, it might influence everything from leadership in industry to civic engagement. The lack of these skills can lead to a homogenization of thought, which society cannot afford.

What this means for you—if you're working in this space or are simply interested in the educational trajectory—is that it could signal a profound shift in how we value various fields of study. Will institutions respond by revamping humanities programs to align them more closely with current job markets? Or will this trend continue downward unchecked? Without proactive changes and adaptations, the humanities may find themselves on the back burner in the coming years.

In revisiting the purpose of a liberal arts education, stakeholders in higher education must grapple with these statistics. By reconsidering how to draw students back into the fold, they could foster a renewed appreciation for the humanities, ensuring they remain a vital part of the educational system. The trend may not be easily reversed, but a concerted effort could position these fields to thrive once again.