The Journey Begins — Is There a Hardest College Degree?
Every fall, Maya sat on her twin-sized dorm bed, wondering if she had picked the right college degree. Her textbooks felt like bricks, her schedule was jam-packed, and her brain felt like it was running a marathon. She wasn’t lazy or unmotivated — Maya just chose a degree in engineering, and no one warned her how hard it would be.
Her friends in other programs seemed to have more free time, less stress, and easier homework. That got her thinking: Is there a hardest college degree? And if so, why do some degrees feel so much more challenging than others?
If you’re a student or someone who loves learning, this question matters more than you might think. Choosing a college degree isn’t just about what you’re interested in — it’s also about how much time, effort, and energy you’re ready to give. Some degrees demand endless hours of study, high-level math, writing, labs, or group projects. Others may focus more on creativity, communication, or research, which can still be tough but in different ways.
Let’s face it: no college degree is “easy.” But some programs push students harder than others, whether that’s through complex coursework, heavy credit loads, or intense exams. These programs may even have higher dropout rates or longer times to graduate. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it — but it does mean you should know what you’re signing up for.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- Which college degrees are the hardest, based on real data and expert opinions
- What makes a degree difficult — is it the subject, the workload, or both?
- How we support students and learners through blogs and articles about education and school
Even in the scholarly sphere, there’s debate on what “hardest” really means. Is it about grades? Hours spent studying? How many students actually finish the program? We’ll dive into those ideas using clear facts, real stories, and research.
Our goal is simple: to help students and learners feel more confident when choosing their college degree. Through our easy-to-read blogs and helpful articles, we break down complicated topics so you don’t have to feel lost or confused. Whether you’re in high school thinking ahead or already deep into your college journey, we’re here to guide you.
So, what do the numbers say? What programs come out on top — or bottom — when it comes to difficulty? And most importantly, what does this mean for your future?
What Makes Some College Degrees Really Hard — and Which Ones Top the List
What Makes a College Degree Hard?
Not all degrees are created equal. Some demand long hours, complex subjects, and serious brainpower. The hardest college degrees are often those that combine deep theory with real-world practice. But what exactly makes a degree “hard”?
Here are some common traits of challenging college degrees:
- Lots of Math or Science: Subjects like calculus, physics, and chemistry aren’t easy and are required in many hard degrees.
- Heavy Study Load: Some students spend over 20 hours a week studying outside of class.
- Tough Grading: Professors may grade strictly or use hard tests that require deep thinking.
- Long Projects and Labs: Many degrees, especially in engineering and science, include lab work and major group projects.
- Abstract Thinking: Fields like math or philosophy ask students to solve problems with no clear answer.
Even researchers in the scholarly sphere agree. One study showed that success in early STEM courses — like math and biology — can decide whether a student sticks with their degree or drops out (Adaricheva et al., 2025).
Which College Degrees Are the Hardest?
Based on student surveys, GPA data, and weekly study hours, here are the hardest college degrees in the U.S.
| College Degree | Why It’s Hard | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (all types) | Includes math, physics, design, and labs | Students study 19–22 hours/week on average (PrepScholar, 2025) |
| Architecture | Mix of art, math, and detailed design projects | Avg. study time: 22.2 hours/week — the highest (PrepScholar, 2025) |
| Math / Statistics | High abstraction, logic, and proofs | Requires strong logic and deep concentration |
| Physics | Combines advanced math with theory | One of the lowest average GPAs: ~3.1 |
| Biochemistry / Molecular Biology | Scientific reading, labs, and memorization | Ranked #1 hardest by BigEconomics (2025) |
| Computer Science | Coding, algorithms, and constant updates | Often rated as one of the top 5 hardest majors |
| Chemistry | Complex reactions, labs, and formulas | Requires math, memory, and lab accuracy |
| Pre-Med / Biomedical Sciences | Packed schedules, labs, and science-heavy courses | Prepares students for medical school; very competitive |
Real Numbers: What the Research Says
According to a PrepScholar survey (2025), these majors require the most time outside class:
- Architecture: 22.2 hours/week
- Chemical Engineering: 19.7 hours/week
- Aerospace Engineering: 19.2 hours/week
- Biomedical Engineering: 18.8 hours/week
- Cell & Molecular Biology: 18.7 hours/week
In a different study by BigEconomics (2025), the top 5 hardest college degrees in the U.S. were:
- Biochemical Sciences
- Botany
- Chemical Engineering
- Math & Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering
GPA also plays a role. Research.com reports that majors like computer science, chemistry, and economics tend to have lower average GPAs than fields like education or psychology. That can mean students struggle more or face harder grading.
Why Students Drop or Switch Out of Hard Majors
Even smart students may struggle in the hardest college degrees. Here’s why:
- Poor preparation: Some students didn’t take hard math or science in high school.
- Not enough support: Without tutoring or study groups, students can fall behind quickly.
- Time stress: Long hours in labs or coding projects leave little time for anything else.
- Mental burnout: When students feel overwhelmed, they may switch to an easier degree.
According to a 2025 study from Adaricheva and colleagues, more than 30% of students in STEM fields switch majors after struggling in early courses like calculus or biology.
Tips to Handle a Hard College Degree
Not every student will enjoy a hard college degree, but for some, the challenge is worth it. If you’re considering a demanding program, here’s how to stay on track:
- Ask for help early: Don’t wait until you’re lost to visit your professor or a tutor.
- Manage your time: Use planners or apps to keep up with long projects and labs.
- Find a study group: You’ll learn faster with others, especially in tough subjects.
- Take care of yourself: Sleep, meals, and mental breaks matter — don’t skip them!
- Stay motivated: Remember why you chose this path. Many hard degrees lead to great jobs or grad school.
STEM vs Non-STEM: Which Is Harder?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These fields are known for being tough because they:
- Use heavy math and science
- Have lab work and projects
- Require long study hours
- Often grade more strictly
But don’t think non-STEM degrees are easy. Majors like architecture, law, or fine arts also require lots of skill, time, and creativity. The type of challenge is just different.
For example, law and political science need lots of reading and writing. Art and design degrees demand creativity under pressure and strict reviews of your work. What’s hard for one student might be easier for another.
Why Choosing the Right Degree Matters
Choosing a college degree isn’t just about what sounds interesting. It’s also about what fits you. The hardest degree for one person might be the perfect fit for someone else. Think about:
- Your strengths: Do you like math, reading, problem-solving, or design?
- Your learning style: Do you prefer tests or projects? Reading or hands-on?
- Your long-term goals: Will this degree help you reach them?
- Your mental health: Can you handle the stress, or do you need balance?
Students who choose degrees that match their strengths tend to do better — and feel better — during college.
How We Help Students Like You
If you’re a student or learner trying to pick the right college degree, we’ve got your back. Our blogs and articles cover everything from how to study smarter to how to manage stress during finals. We break down big topics like these into simple, useful information.
Our goal is to help you:
- Learn about different degrees before you commit
- Understand what college life is really like
- Make smart choices for your education
- Stay motivated when things get tough
We don’t offer tutoring or courses — just helpful articles made for students and learners who want to do better in school.
Choosing the Right Path — and Getting the Support You Need
Now that you’ve seen what makes a college degree hard — and which ones top the list — you might feel a little nervous. That’s totally normal. Whether you’re thinking about studying chemical engineering or graphic design, the truth is that every student faces challenges. The key is choosing the path that fits you best.
Some students do well in math-heavy degrees like physics or computer science. Others shine in creative fields like architecture or design. What matters most isn’t picking the “easiest” or even the “hardest” degree. It’s about picking the one that matches your skills, your goals, and your interests.
Let’s recap what we’ve learned:
- The hardest college degrees are usually the ones that combine tough subjects, long study hours, and strict grading.
- Engineering, architecture, physics, math, and biomedical sciences often rank at the top.
- Success in these programs depends on preparation, support, and personal motivation.
- Non-STEM degrees can be challenging too — just in different ways, like long writing projects or creative critiques.
No matter which path you choose, you don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s where we come in.
📖 How Our Blogs and Articles Help You
At every step of your education journey, our blogs and articles are here to guide you. We don’t offer tutoring or classes — just helpful, easy-to-understand content made for students and learners like you.
Our content helps you:
- Understand what each college degree involves before you commit
- Learn smart ways to study, take notes, and manage your time
- Get tips for handling stress, burnout, or confusion during hard semesters
- Stay up to date on education trends, career options, and college advice
We explain complicated topics in simple language so you can make smarter decisions — no matter where you are in your learning journey.
💡 A Final Word of Encouragement
Don’t let rankings or statistics scare you away from the degree you really want. Every student has different strengths. What’s hard for one person might feel natural to you. And even if the road is tough, you can still succeed with the right attitude, preparation, and support.
So whether you’re thinking about a tough STEM degree or exploring something more creative, just remember: your future is yours to build. And we’ll be here with blogs and articles to help you understand the tools, the challenges, and the opportunities along the way.
Because when it comes to education, the only “wrong” choice is one made without the facts.
❓ One Last Question…
If you had all the support and knowledge you needed, which college degree would you dare to pursue?
Works Cited
Universities.com. “The Hardest College Majors (By Average GPA).” Universities.com, 2025.
https://www.universities.com/news/hardest-college-majors-average-gpa
PrepScholar. “Hardest College Majors.” PrepScholar Blog, 2025.
https://blog.prepscholar.com/hardest-college-majors
BigEconomics. “The Hardest and Easiest College Majors (Full List).” BigEconomics.org, 2025.
https://bigeconomics.org/the-hardest-and-easiest-college-majors-full-list
CollegeVine. “What Are the Top 5 Hardest College Degrees?” CollegeVine, 2025.
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/28164/what-are-the-top-5-hardest-college-degrees
College Transitions. “Hardest College Majors.” College Transitions, 2025.
https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/hardest-college-majors
Research.com. “Hardest College Majors in 2025 – Ranked by GPA & Study Time.” Research.com, 2025.
https://research.com/degrees/hardest-college-majors
Adaricheva, K., et al. “Course Completion in STEM: Predictors of On-Time Graduation.” arXiv.org, 2025.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.12321
