A new Forbes report, based on exclusive LinkedIn data, has identified the university degrees most likely to improve graduates' chances of securing employment in 2026. The analysis reveals that social sciences and humanities graduates are proving more resilient in the current job market due to their transferable skills across multiple industries.
Hiring Landscape for New Graduates
The report highlights that hiring of new college graduates remains weak, with a 20% recruitment drop compared to pre-pandemic levels and 5% lower than a year ago. This challenging environment makes degree choice more critical than ever for job prospects.
According to the Forbes report, “Grads who majored in the social sciences and humanities are proving to be resilient in today’s job market because they gained skills that can be used across multiple industries.” This versatility has become one of the biggest advantages for new graduates navigating the tough employment market.
Top Degrees for Job Placement
The analysis assessed hiring conditions across industries and graduates' ability to transition into other sectors. The following degrees have the highest percentage of graduates securing jobs outside traditional career paths, making them the most versatile in 2026:
- English – 69%
- Visual & Performing Arts – 68%
- Communication & Journalism – 67%
- Business & Marketing – 64%
- Computer & Information Sciences – 63%
- Social Sciences – 62%
- Interdisciplinary Studies – 60%
- Homeland Security & Law Enforcement – 58%
- Parks, Recreation & Fitness – 56%
- Psychology – 55%
- Physical Sciences – 55%
- Biological Sciences – 43%
- Engineering – 41%
- Education – 34%
- Health Professions – 21%
Engineering and Computer Science Challenges
The report notes that engineering and computer science graduates enjoy strong employment prospects and higher starting salaries. However, their specialised skills now offer fewer opportunities to switch into different industries. The Forbes report states: “Engineering graduates, who likely thought they’d picked a safe and lucrative major, not only face a weak hiring market, but also have more specialised skills that aren’t as versatile or as useful in as many industries.”
Lifetime Earnings and Degree Selection
University degrees vary significantly in lifetime earnings potential, with medicine leading the pack. Research shows graduates earn £100,000 more than non-graduates over their lifetime. Minister Jacqui Smith has urged careful course selection to avoid poor-quality degrees. Meanwhile, Canada’s 2026 labour market faces skills shortages amid new immigration policies, with Nigeria emerging as Canada's largest African investor, shaping demand for skilled professionals.
