10 Best Colleges For Undecided Majors in 2025

Choosing a college major can be a daunting decision. There are so many potential degree programs and career paths, but how do you know which one is right for you? Considering colleges for undecided majors can help.

If you're wondering about the best majors for undecided students, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top schools with programs, services, and major options for college students who are still figuring out what they want to do in their careers.

Best Colleges For Undecided Majors

Many schools offer support services, exploration programs, and other opportunities for students who enroll before they choose a degree program. Below, we'll explore our top 10 list of best schools for undecided majors.

1. New York University

New York University is a large private school boasting an enrollment of almost 60,000 students. It charges an average yearly tuition of $60,438 for undergrad learners. It offers opportunities for undecided students through its Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Students in this program can design their own majors under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Experiential learning opportunities like study abroad and internships help students narrow their focus and explore future career options.

2. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is often considered one of the top public schools in the nation. Its University Exploration program allows students to pursue various areas of interest before deciding on a major by enrolling them in one of seven tracks, or ''meta-majors.''

Additionally, students can enroll as undecided majors in specific schools if they have narrowed down their options somewhat but still aren't sure which major to choose. All undecided students can access mentors, workshops, and support services to help them pick their majors. The average yearly in-state tuition at this school costs $12,859.

3. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a private school in New York that provides coursework flexibility, which is ideal for undecided students. The average yearly tuition is $64,348, and students have the opportunity to design their own majors.

The school features only one required course; students then choose clusters of courses in two areas, ultimately focusing their studies toward a specific major. Those who can't narrow down their choices enough can design an interdepartmental major tailored to their specific interests and career goals.

4. Boston University

Boston University is a private school costing an average of $65,168 in yearly undergraduate tuition. The school offers more than 250 areas of study. Its BU Hub program helps students narrow down their options and choose the best one.

BU Hub is an interdisciplinary general education program that allows students to explore interests in six broad fields before choosing a major. Students can also apply to specific schools within the university as undecided majors, and they don't have to choose a degree program until their sophomore years.

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school providing more than 350 degree programs, many of which are available online. ASU Online students who are undecided can enroll in one of four exploratory tracks.

Each track provides a broad general education curriculum while giving an introduction to the majors within that track. Students can earn credit toward their degree programs; however, they must declare a major after obtaining 45 credit hours. Online learners pay average in-state tuition rates of $11,308 per year.

6. Grinnell College

Grinnell College is a liberal arts college in Iowa. This private school provides flexibility by requiring only one course, known as the first-year tutorial. Aside from this one requirement, students are free to explore many academic interests, ultimately choosing a major that appeals to them.

Students receive strong academic guidance throughout their studies and can learn more about potential career paths through off-campus learning opportunities. More than 500 individual courses are available at this school, which charges undergrad students approximately $64,862 a year.

7. Williams College

Williams College is another top liberal arts school. Located in Massachusetts, this private college lets students design their own programs by choosing three courses from each of three broad areas.

Many of the school's degree programs feature concentrations so students can further personalize their education, and various internship and apprenticeship programs are also available. Average undergraduate tuition costs $64,840 per year.

8. Amherst College

Amherst College is another private liberal arts school in Massachusetts. The school offers a maximum level of flexibility by providing an open curriculum that lets students design their own courses of study with no required courses.

Tuition at the school costs about $67,280 per year, and students receive great value for the money. Internship programs enable students to gain work experience in various fields, and study-abroad options add to the overall college experience. Academic advisors work with students every step of the way to help them design courses of study best suited to their interests.

9. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is a public school in Ohio that charges average in-state tuition rates of $12,377 per year. Students who aren't sure about their major can enroll in the school's Undecided Program and have until the middle of their sophomore year to choose a degree.

The Undecided Program lets students take various courses from many different academic disciplines. It also provides opportunities for students to experience careers that interest them. They can work closely with academic advisors to choose from 110 degree programs to find one that best suits their interests and career goals.

10. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private school in Pennsylvania offering some of the best online learning opportunities in the country. Its Goodwin College of Professional Studies provides the First-Year Exploratory Studies program for undecided students.

The program includes academic advising and various study areas so students can explore interests before declaring a major. The full-time program runs for one year, preparing students to choose a major by helping them focus their interests. The average yearly tuition is $60,663 for undergraduate students.

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top schools when creating our college rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the great colleges for undecided students featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Reputation: All of the schools have strong reputations for providing top-notch academic programs.
• Undecided Options: Each school provides various options for undecided students, like first-year programs and self-designed majors.

What To Look For in a College as an Undecided Student

If you're not sure which major is right for you, choosing a school with options for undecided students is your best path forward. Here are some things to look for in any school you're considering:

• Flexible General Education Requirements: Look for schools that let students choose their general education courses or apply a variety of courses to meet these gen ed requirements.
• Strong Academic Advising: An academic advisor can walk you through the process of choosing a major and help you identify your interests and talents. Look for a school that offers strong personal academic advising services.
• First-Year Exploration Programs: Exploration programs allow students to take courses in many different fields to help them get a better idea of what interests them. These programs can be invaluable assets in helping you determine the right path for you.
• Career Services and Internship Opportunities: Schools offering career services and internship opportunities can give students real-world work experience, helping them discover potential job interests and narrowing down their options.
• Interdisciplinary and Customizable Majors: Some schools let students design their own majors or enroll in broad, customizable programs like interdisciplinary studies and general studies. This gives students flexibility throughout their studies.

FAQs About Entering College as an Undeclared Student

If you still have questions as an undeclared major, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

Do Colleges Look Down on Undecided Majors?

Generally speaking, most colleges understand that students don't always know exactly what they want to do in their future careers. Therefore, schools typically don't look down on undecided students � and some even encourage these students to apply by offering programs and services for undecided majors.

Is It Bad To Be an Undecided Major in College?

No, it isn't bad to start your college career as an undecided major; it may even be beneficial to keep your options open during your first year or two of school.

For example, if you are a strong student with a high GPA who excelled in multiple areas in high school, applying as an undecided major in college allows you to explore your strengths and find out which ones can apply in your career.

What Happens if You Put Undecided Instead of a Specific Major on College Applications?

Applying as an undecided major doesn't typically hurt your chances of being accepted into college, especially if you are an academically strong student. Once you have been accepted, you may be automatically enrolled or encouraged to enroll in programs or courses designed to let students explore many areas of study.

These programs will help you make a decision. You will then be expected to choose a major usually by the end of your freshman year or sometime during your sophomore year.

Search Great Colleges for Undecided Students

If you're ready to explore the best universities for undecided majors, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their fields of study and to find the right one for you.