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CollegeROI
AVOID

"Avoid" College Programs (2026)

635 school-major combinations. ROI Score below 40. High debt relative to earnings, weak job markets, or low graduation rates make these risky investments.

635
Programs
36/100
Avg ROI Score
$37K
Avg Median Debt
$43K
Avg Year 1 Earnings

Top 50 "Avoid" Programs

#SchoolMajorROI Score
1Alabama State UniversitySocial Work39/100
2Alfred UniversityCriminal Justice and Corrections39/100
3Andrews UniversityTheological and Ministerial Studies39/100
4Aurora UniversitySocial Work39/100
5Benedict CollegeEnglish Language and Literature39/100
6Bethany CollegeNatural Resources Conservation and Research39/100
7Brescia UniversityTheological and Ministerial Studies39/100
8Cairn University-LanghorneMusic39/100
9Cairn University-LanghorneFine and Studio Arts39/100
10Calvary UniversityTheological and Ministerial Studies39/100
11Chicago State UniversityEthnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies39/100
12Chowan UniversityLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities39/100
13College of Biblical Studies-HoustonBible/Biblical Studies39/100
14College of Our Lady of the ElmsPsychology39/100
15College of Our Lady of the ElmsHistory39/100
16Concordia University-NebraskaTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods39/100
17Concordia University-NebraskaSpecial Education and Teaching39/100
18Concordia University-NebraskaHealth and Physical Education/Fitness39/100
19Concordia University-Saint PaulDesign and Applied Arts39/100
20Concordia University-Saint PaulMusic39/100
21Cornerstone UniversityFilm/Video and Photographic Arts39/100
22Davenport UniversitySecurity Science and Technology39/100
23ECPI UniversityCriminal Justice and Corrections39/100
24ECPI UniversitySecurity Science and Technology39/100
25Emmaus Bible CollegeBible/Biblical Studies39/100
26Emmaus Bible CollegePastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries39/100
27Emmaus Bible CollegeTheology and Religious Vocations39/100
28Empire State UniversityCommunity Organization and Advocacy39/100
29Empire State UniversityHuman Services39/100
30Endicott CollegeCriminal Justice and Corrections39/100
31Everglades UniversityHomeland Security39/100
32Faulkner UniversityLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities39/100
33Franciscan University of SteubenvilleTheological and Ministerial Studies39/100
34Franciscan University of SteubenvilleReligious Education39/100
35Full Sail UniversityCommunications Technologies/Technicians39/100
36Georgian Court UniversityDance39/100
37Goddard CollegePsychology39/100
38Goodwin UniversityHuman Services39/100
39Holy Family UniversitySpecial Education and Teaching39/100
40Holy Family UniversityTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods39/100
41Holy Family UniversityHealth and Physical Education/Fitness39/100
42Holy Family UniversityTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas39/100
43Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto CampusesTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods39/100
44Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalBible/Biblical Studies39/100
45Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalTheological and Ministerial Studies39/100
46Jackson State UniversityLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities39/100
47Johnson & Wales University-OnlineParks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management39/100
48LeTourneau UniversityBible/Biblical Studies39/100
49Life Pacific UniversityBible/Biblical Studies39/100
50Life UniversityLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities39/100

Browse by Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

ROI Score below 40. High debt relative to earnings, weak job markets, or low graduation rates make these risky investments.

635 school-major combinations currently have a "Avoid" verdict. Average debt is $37K with average first-year earnings of $43K.

Verdicts and grades both derive from the ROI Score (0-100). Grades use A-F letter mapping while verdicts use investment language: Strong Buy (80+), Buy (60-79), Caution (40-59), and Avoid (below 40).