Wondering how to help your student avoid this?
How to Support Your Student Without Choosing for Them
Changing your major is common, but it can come with real consequences. It’s not just about switching fields. It can mean extra time, extra money, and extra stress. This article breaks down what really happens when you change your major and why making an informed choice earlier can save you more than you think.
1. Changing Majors Is More Common Than You Think
Nearly 1 in 3 college students change their major at least once within the first three years.¹ In STEM fields, that number jumps to more than 50%.²
So if you’ve changed your mind or are worried you might, you’re not alone.
2. But It’s Not as Simple as It Sounds
Changing majors usually means changing your academic path. That can lead to:
- Lost credits that don’t transfer to your new major
- Extra semesters (or summer classes) to meet new requirements
- Delayed graduation, which can impact internships, jobs, and financial aid eligibility
3. It Gets Expensive. Fast
According to national data, students who change majors may end up paying $18,000–$22,000 more in tuition, housing, and lost wages from delayed graduation.³
Those aren’t small numbers, especially if you’re taking on debt or relying on financial aid limits.
4. It Can Also Take an Emotional Toll
Switching majors can feel like starting over. You might lose momentum, question your choices, or feel like you wasted time. It can affect confidence, motivation, and even relationships with your parents or advisors.
5. Why It’s Worth Getting It Right the First Time
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. The more you learn before choosing a major, the more likely you are to choose something that fits and stick with it.
How to Choose a College Major That Fits You
6. What Actually Helps You Decide Smarter
Students who have access to real-world insight, like internships or informational interviews, are significantly more likely to feel confident in their major.⁴
That’s exactly why we built MajorMentor: to give you access to the experiences, advice, and stories you can’t get from a catalog or quiz.
What Is an Informational Interview and Why It Matters
Final Thought
It’s okay to change your mind, but it’s even better to make a well-informed decision up front. Explore. Ask questions. Watch interviews. The more you learn now, the fewer detours you’ll take later, and the faster you’ll get where you actually want to go.
Sources
¹ National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2021). https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2018434
² Higher Ed Today Report (2020). https://www.higheredtoday.org/
³ EAB and College Board Research (2020). Average cost estimates based on national averages.
⁴ Gallup (2017). Major Decision Report. https://www.gallup.com/education/231869/students-need-experiences-decide-major.aspx