Is Higher Education a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many students perceive higher education as a challenging major due to its academic demands, but this view often overlooks the diversity of the field. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, higher education programs in the U.S. have seen a steady increase in enrollment, with over 15% growth in related majors over the last decade, reflecting its growing importance and complexity.

This article will explore the rigor of higher education courses, typical workload expectations, critical skills needed, and the factors that affect how difficult students find the major. Understanding these elements can help prospective students determine if this path aligns with their academic strengths and career goals.

Key Benefits of Higher Education as a Major

Higher education majors develop critical skills like research, communication, and leadership, essential for diverse career paths and effective problem-solving in various professional settings.
Students returning as full-time workers benefit from flexible online programs and practical coursework tailored to balance studies with job responsibilities and life demands.
Traditional undergraduates gain specialized knowledge while building confidence tackling complex theories, with 75% reporting increased academic resilience and preparedness for graduate studies or careers.

Where does higher education rank among the hardest college majors?

Higher education majors generally rank low on national difficulty scales, especially when compared to STEM and health-related fields. Assessments often focus on factors such as workload intensity, required technical or analytical skills, and practicum or fieldwork hours.

For instance, education majors report fewer rigorous academic demands than chemical engineering or molecular biology, with only about 36% of education professors rated as "difficult" by students. While practicum and field placements are a significant component, the overall workload and technical complexity tend to be less intense than in disciplines like nursing or physics.

The perceived challenge of higher education varies widely depending on the institution and the student's background. Some find the time spent in classrooms and fieldwork demanding, particularly those without prior experience, while others consider the major more accessible due to its pedagogical focus rather than heavy quantitative analysis.

Compared to majors like chemical engineering, which frequently ranks as the hardest, higher education is considerably easier. It aligns closer in difficulty to social sciences and liberal arts, often seen as less challenging than business or health majors. Ultimately, the difficulty of higher education depends on individual strengths, interests, and academic preparation, making the experience highly subjective.

What factors make higher education a hard major?

Higher education as a major presents significant challenges rooted in its academic and skill-related demands. These challenges stem from rigorous coursework, substantial workload, and the necessity for advanced analytical abilities that many students find demanding.

Academic rigor in higher education programs: Coursework is designed to meet advanced standards of complexity and depth suitable for degree levels, requiring critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication. Graduate students often must pass comprehensive exams and complete original research projects or theses.
Time commitment: The workload demands for college students are considerable, with bachelor's degrees requiring around 120 semester credits and significant weekly study hours. Graduate programs add even more, including 30+ semester hours and extensive research or project work outside of class.
Technical and analytical complexity: Students must proficiently analyze complex issues, design solutions grounded in evidence, and evaluate educational policies using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which heightens the academic challenge.
Field-specific demands: Staying updated with evolving educational standards, policies, and research trends is crucial. Students are expected to contribute meaningfully to scholarly discussions and support institutional progress, requiring sustained intellectual engagement.

For those seeking efficient pathways through these challenges, exploring options like a fast track college degree can offer tailored structures to handle these demands while progressing quickly toward graduation.

Who is a good fit for a higher education major?

Knowing who is a good fit for a higher education major is crucial because this field demands engaged learning and resilience to succeed. Identifying the right student profile helps manage expectations and aligns personal strengths with academic challenges, which is important for those wondering is higher education right for me.

Curious Learners: Students with a curiosity and growth mindset excel in analyzing educational theories and policies. Their passion for learning fuels deeper engagement and adaptability in complex coursework.
Collaborative Individuals: Being able to connect and work well in teams supports effective group projects and enhances peer and faculty interactions, vital for managing program demands.
Resilient and Determined Students: Persistence and self-regulation often predict success more than raw intelligence, helping students overcome rigorous assignments and deadlines.
Open-Minded Thinkers: Those who embrace diverse perspectives and social consciousness contribute positively to educational communities and navigate challenging topics with optimism.
Self-Directed Workers: Higher education majors require independent study skills and critical thinking, rewarding those who can maintain focus and motivation over time.

Research shows these qualities explain up to 24% of student success beyond GPA or background. For those curious about what's manageable in this field, see what are the easiest masters degrees to get an idea of related, accessible options.

Breakdown of All 4-Year Online Title IV Institutions (In Percentage)

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

How can you make a higher education major easier?

Students pursuing higher education majors often encounter challenging coursework involving policy, theory, and research methods. However, applying evidence-based approaches can significantly simplify managing these academic demands.

Adopt active study techniques: Strategies like SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) break down complex readings and help retain essential ideas, reducing the overwhelm from heavy textbook use.
Use spaced repetition: Spreading review sessions over time enhances memory and understanding better than last-minute cramming, which is crucial for mastering extensive material.
Develop a structured study schedule: Allocating specific time blocks with realistic goals, combined with short focused sessions such as the Pomodoro Technique, boosts attention and prevents fatigue.
Build foundational academic skills: Early focus on writing, critical reading, and quantitative skills lays a strong groundwork, making advanced assignments more approachable. Many campuses offer helpful workshops or tutoring in these areas.
Leverage academic resources: Engaging with peer groups, writing centers, and office hours enhances comprehension and allows receiving constructive feedback, while teaching others reinforces learning.

When asked about how to make a higher education major more manageable, a recent graduate shared that initially, balancing the volume of reading with understanding policy concepts felt overwhelming. She emphasized how creating a personal routine that combined short, consistent study sessions with discussions in study groups transformed her experience.

"Teaching peers helped me see different perspectives and made the material stick," she recalled. While mastering foundational skills took effort early on, those competencies proved invaluable later. Reflecting back, she noted that embracing incremental progress and using campus resources was key to staying motivated and succeeding beyond her expectations.

Are admissions to higher education programs competitive?

Admissions to higher education programs are indeed highly competitive, driven by a sharp increase in applicants and application numbers while freshman seats remain limited. Many colleges saw a notable surge-up to 30% more applicants and a 55% rise in applications in recent years-intensifying the challenge to gain acceptance. The convenience of using platforms like the Common Application enables students to apply to numerous schools, further escalating competition.

Selectivity varies widely among institutions: prestigious universities often accept less than 7% of applicants, whereas public flagships have higher in-state acceptance but remain selective for others. Admissions typically require strong academic records with GPAs around 3.7 or above, specific prerequisite classes, and sometimes relevant extracurricular or work experience. As test-optional policies gain traction, admitted students tend to present even stronger academic achievements, raising the bar for competitive majors in higher education.

When I spoke with a professional who majored in higher education, he shared how intense the application process felt despite his strong credentials. "I remember juggling multiple essays and trying to showcase both my academic and real-world experiences," he reflected. The pressure of meeting GPA thresholds and demonstrating meaningful involvement was relentless, yet rewarding. He remarked that perseverance and carefully targeting programs that matched his background helped him navigate those tough admissions hurdles.

Is an online higher education major harder than an on-campus program?

An online higher education major is neither inherently harder nor easier than an on-campus program; both formats bring different challenges that affect perceived difficulty. These differences impact how students experience and manage their studies based on individual learning styles and support systems.

To better understand the differences between online and on-campus higher education majors, consider the following factors related to academic expectations, workload, pacing, interaction, support, and learning environment:

Academic expectations and workload: Accredited institutions maintain equivalent curricular standards across both formats, ensuring comparable content and rigor.
Completion rates: Completion rates for exclusively online programs are significantly lower-often below 50% over eight years-compared to about 65% nationally, indicating that finishing an online higher education degree can be more difficult to complete.
Self-discipline and motivation: Online students must independently manage schedules and deadlines without in-person reminders, requiring high levels of self-motivation.
Interaction and support: Online learners typically experience less immediate access to professors and peers, which limits real-time feedback and academic collaboration opportunities.
Technical requirements: Success in online programs depends on reliable internet and comfort with digital platforms, which may pose barriers for some students.
Learning environment: Remote learners often face more distractions and less accountability than on-campus students, making engagement and timely completion more challenging.
Social interaction: In-person programs provide built-in social and academic interactions, supporting persistence especially for those who benefit from structured schedules and face-to-face engagement.

Students exploring degree options may also wish to consider the cheapest online associate's degree programs, which offer accessible entry points into higher education through online formats.

Are accelerated higher education programs harder than traditional formats?

Accelerated higher education programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, requiring students to learn at a faster pace with an intense workload. This heightened demand affects how students manage time, absorb content, and handle stress.

Below is a comparison highlighting the key differences and challenges of accelerated degree programs versus traditional formats:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs condense a full-semester course into about eight weeks, doubling the amount of material covered weekly, which intensifies the learning process and can overwhelm students.
Workload Management: While nontraditional students often appreciate the faster route to graduation, 55% of traditional-age students report difficulty managing accelerated higher education program workload and prefer longer courses.
Academic Expectations and Skill Demands: Both formats share similar academic standards, but accelerated courses require stronger time management and organizational skills due to tighter deadlines and fewer breaks.
Learning Retention and Stress Levels: Many students experience higher stress and reduced retention in accelerated formats because there is less time to deeply understand and absorb complex concepts.
Flexibility and Structure: Accelerated courses have less day-to-day flexibility, with rigid schedules that challenge students' ability to balance other responsibilities.

Students seeking accelerated degrees should carefully evaluate their capacity to handle the increased intensity and consider their learning styles. For those needing more time to process information, traditional courses may be more suitable. To explore options for online programs that may support varied pacing and formats, prospective students can review a list of top accredited online universities.

Can you manage a part-time job while majoring in higher education?

Students majoring in higher education can often hold part-time jobs without compromising their studies, though success depends on factors like course difficulty, weekly workload, and personal study routines. Nearly half of full-time students work part-time, with roles on campus offering the most adaptable schedules.

The relatively low number of lab hours in this field helps students time their work around peak academic periods such as midterms and project deadlines.

Those who manage work and study typically choose flexible employment, such as campus office or library positions, which allow adjustment around busy academic cycles. Maintaining a moderate work schedule of 15-20 hours weekly prevents overload and supports focus on substantial reading, group projects, and technical tasks common in higher education programs.

Effective use of planners or calendars helps coordinate job shifts and study times. Additionally, many students leverage campus academic resources or online tools to optimize their coursework during tighter schedules, enabling a sustainable balance between work and study demands.

What jobs do higher education majors get, and are they as hard as the degree itself?

Career paths for higher education majors vary widely in terms of difficulty, responsibility, and the skills required. While some jobs match the intellectual rigor of the degree, others may be less demanding or challenge professionals in more practical, interpersonal ways.

Postsecondary Education Administrator: Oversees various college or university operations, including student services, academic programs, and faculty research. This position demands complex decision-making and leadership skills, making it as challenging as the degree itself, especially at senior levels.
Academic Advisor or Career Services Advisor: Provides guidance on academic planning and career options. These roles emphasize interpersonal and organizational skills more than academic rigor and are generally less demanding intellectually than coursework in higher education.
Admissions Counselor or Enrollment Manager: Responsible for student recruitment and application processing, often working under seasonal pressure. This fast-paced job focuses on communication and marketing skills and is typically less intellectually challenging than the degree's academic demands.
Faculty Affairs Manager or Program Director: Manages faculty hiring, development, and program administration, requiring navigation of complex institutional policies. The role is demanding but stresses managerial expertise rather than academic challenge.
University Professor (with doctoral degree): Engages in teaching, research, and academic scholarship. This career is often more demanding than the major itself due to expectations for research output, publication, and mentoring students, representing one of the highest paying jobs in higher education.

Many higher education majors report a moderate-to-high workload, reflecting that is working in higher education hard depends largely on the position. For students or professionals considering this field, exploring options through resources like the best affordable online universities for job holders can provide strategic pathways into rewarding roles.

Do higher education graduates earn higher salaries because the major is harder?

Higher education graduates do not necessarily earn higher salaries because their major is more challenging. Salary outcomes are influenced by a mix of academic rigor, skills gained, and the demand for specific roles in the job market. Although education majors often face substantial coursework and skill development, their lifetime earnings tend to be lower than those in fields like engineering or computer science.

This suggests that the complexity of the major alone does not drive higher pay. Instead, market demand and specialized skills play a more significant role in determining salary levels.

Several factors shape the income of higher education graduates beyond the difficulty of the major. For example, education sector jobs often have fixed salary scales, resulting in less fluctuation compared to private industries. Positions such as deans or administrative staff typically command higher wages than teaching roles.

Geographic differences also matter, with urban institutions offering better pay than rural ones. Furthermore, advanced degrees boost earnings-for instance, earning a master's degree can increase lifetime income by approximately $600,000 for education majors, reaching a median of $2.6 million overall.

What Graduates Say About Higher Education as Their Major

Trace: "Pursuing higher education was definitely challenging, especially balancing theory with practical application. However, the experience enriched my understanding of educational systems and prepared me well for my career in academic administration. Considering the average cost of attendance can exceed $20,000 annually, the investment was significant but ultimately worth it."

Sutton: "The major was tough, no doubt, but it taught me invaluable skills in communication and policy analysis that shaped my professional life. Reflecting on the expenses, I realized that scholarships and careful budgeting helped me manage the high costs, which can really add up over four years. "

Ezekiel: "In my view, higher education as a major demands both dedication and strategic thinking, which made for a rigorous yet rewarding academic journey. The cost of attending school was a heavy consideration, but the career opportunities and personal growth I gained surpassed those financial concerns."

Other Things You Should Know About Higher Education Degrees

Is higher education a major that requires a lot of writing?

Yes, students majoring in higher education often engage in extensive writing assignments. These typically include research papers, reflective essays, and policy analyses that require critical thinking and clear communication. Mastery of academic writing is essential for success in this field.

Do higher education majors need strong research skills?

Strong research skills are important for higher education majors because much of the coursework involves analyzing educational theories and practices. Students learn to evaluate studies, gather relevant data, and apply findings to real-world educational contexts. This focus on research prepares them for careers in academic administration or policy.

How important is classroom experience in a higher education major?

Classroom experience is often a key component of a higher education major, especially in programs that prepare students for roles in teaching or educational leadership. Many programs require internships or practicum placements, giving students hands-on exposure to educational settings. This practical experience complements theoretical learning.

Are collaboration and group projects common in higher education programs?

Yes, collaboration is frequently emphasized in higher education majors. Group projects and peer discussions help students develop skills in teamwork and communication, which are vital in educational environments. These collaborative activities also encourage the exchange of diverse perspectives on educational issues.