Many community college students begin their studies feeling confident about their chosen major, but half ultimately move into a different field, a new report shows. The study, by the Community College Research Center, is based on interviews with 42 students at four community colleges and a three-year survey tracking how their sense of direction in their major evolved.
Students begin college confident in their major—yet still often change direction
Researchers found that students’ early convictions about their major were common, even among those who later switched programs. Nearly half reported strong assurance when they enrolled in fall 2023 and maintained it two years later.
In fact, 48% remained confident from start to finish, while 38% became more certain over time. Others grew more confident as they learned more about majors, transfer and career options.
Still, being sure of their choice did not prevent half (21 out of 42) of the students from switching majors by summer 2025, according to the report. Most moved into a different field, often due to:
- Coursework that proved more difficult than expected
- Confusing transfer requirements
- Discovering a more appealing academic or career path
One student who shifted from construction-related programs into social work said the new major “felt natural to me; it felt like where I should have been all along.”
Another student, who completed an associate degree in psychology but remained uncertain about next steps, noted: “I know I’m going to second-guess a lot of the stuff I’m doing because that’s just what happens when you’re trying to choose a career for the rest of your life.”
Experiences that reinforce—or disrupt—students’ certainty about their major
Students who stayed committed to their major typically had long-standing interests, supportive families and early academic success that confirmed their choice. Because their path felt clear, they often relied less on guidance from advisors or support staff.
Students who switched majors but still felt confident about their original and new choices often described a turning point—such as struggling in required courses, realizing a program would not transfer or discovering that the day-to-day work no longer aligned with their goals. Advisors were more involved with these students, helping them identify alternative programs that better matched their interests.
Other students entered college without a clear sense of direction. These students often relied on online research rather than campus resources. This lack of support contributed to hesitation and delayed decisions about majors.
Guidance for campus leaders
The report outlines strategies community colleges can use to help students make informed program decisions. Recommendations include:
- Identify which students need deeper guidance by using early surveys to capture interests, certainty levels and knowledge of careers and transfer.
- Integrate majors and career exploration into onboarding so students are not left to navigate options on their own.
- Provide program and labor-market information through college websites, career guides and research-based assignments
- Require students to take at least one course in their field during their first term so they can explore that work early.
A clearer look at student decision-making
The study emphasizes that choosing a major is rarely a one-time decision. Instead, it is an evolving process shaped by new experiences, practical realities and shifting goals.
Community colleges can play a stronger role by ensuring that exploration and guidance are built into every student’s experience, rather than leaving it to chance.
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