As college grows more expensive, more students are under pressure to make sure their studies lead them to a job.
Jobs search website CareerCast has ranked the majors with the best career prospects.
"The more opportunity you have earlier in your career, the better," said Kyle Kensing, online content editor at CareerCast. Indeed, a recent study found that if you don't put your degree to use quickly, you might never do so.
Picking up a practical degree doesn't have to mean abandoning your passions, Kensing said. Consider double majoring — one in accounting, another in English — or minoring in a more creative field. "You can't burn yourself out," he said.
Here are the degrees with the best job prospects, according to CareerCast.
Accounting
Accounting is one of the steadiest fields of study if you're hoping to land a job, according to CareerCast.
More than 90 percent of accounting majors are employed and the field is expected to grow by 10 percent over the next eight years.
Business management
This degree can help secure a position in many fields — including human resources, research and consulting.
Some business management majors will also become medical services managers, a position projected to grow 20 percent.
Chemistry
CareerCast put chemistry on the list because some of the highest-paying careers — including physicians and chemical engineers — require extensive post-secondary schooling, which often begin with a B.A. in chemistry.
Computer science
Information technology jobs are on the rise. A major in computer science will help you land a position as a developer or analyst.
Finance
Financial analysts and personal financial advisors have growth outlooks of 11 percent and 15 percent, respectively, according to CareerCast.
Information systems
As cloud-based technology makes its way into more fields, a background in information systems will make you competitive in the job market.
Marketing
The employment rate for recent marketing and market research grads is nearly 95 percent.
Mathematics
In CareerCast's best jobs of 2018 report, many of the top roles required a background in math — including statistician, data scientist and actuary.
Mechanical engineering
While many of the more lucrative engineering positions require graduate school degrees, mechanical engineers typically only need a bachelor's degree. The major can be applied to many industries, as well, such as automotive, robotics and construction.
Nursing
Demand for nurses is among the highest for all careers, and nursing entry-level positions pay more than most.
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