These Are the College Degrees People End Up Regretting

Public policy attracts students who want to understand how governments make decisions and how those decisions affect real people. They may imagine working on housing, education, healthcare, climate, poverty, or criminal justice reform. For someone who wants a career with civic purpose, the degree can sound both practical and meaningful.

Regret can show up when graduates realize policy work is often competitive, credential-heavy, and concentrated in certain cities. Entry-level roles may be low-paid, temporary, or internship-based, while better positions often expect a master’s degree, data skills, or government experience. The mission is appealing, but the first job can be hard to land.