When parents and athletes start thinking about college recruiting, most of the focus is on athletics: highlight videos, coach emails, and performance stats. But one of the most important pieces of the puzzle often gets overlooked—choosing a college major.
The question is: What do most athletes actually major in? And why?
In this post, we’ll break down the top majors student-athletes choose in college, why they’re so popular, and what it means for your athlete’s future beyond the game.
Why Majors Matter for Student-Athletes
For high school athletes chasing college opportunities, it’s easy to get tunnel vision. But academics are just as important as athletics in the recruiting process. Coaches don’t just recruit athletes—they recruit students who can handle the academic demands of their program.
Your athlete’s choice of major can:
- Affect NCAA eligibility and GPA requirements.
- Shape their schedule and workload around practices, games, and travel.
- Influence long-term career options after sports.
The Top 10 Majors Student-Athletes Choose
Based on NCAA surveys and national enrollment trends, here are the most common majors athletes pursue:
- Business / Management (≈ 20%)
Business is the #1 choice for college athletes. It’s flexible, practical, and builds leadership skills that align with what athletes already develop through sports.
- Communications (≈ 12%)
Athletes often major in communications because it pairs well with media, PR, sports journalism, and broadcasting. It also helps athletes build their personal brand.
- Kinesiology / Exercise Science (≈ 12%)
This major is a natural fit for athletes who want to stay connected to sports. Many go into coaching, athletic training, or physical therapy after graduation.
- Psychology (≈ 9%)
Understanding mindset, behavior, and motivation benefits athletes on and off the field. It’s also a strong path for careers in leadership or counseling.
- Education (≈ 8%)
Teaching and coaching go hand-in-hand. Many athletes choose education to transition into coaching or working with the next generation of athletes.
- Criminal Justice (≈ 7%)
A practical option that connects athletes with careers in law enforcement, security, or public service.
- Marketing (≈ 7%)
Pairs well with sports for branding, sponsorships, and business ventures. Athletes often leverage their sports background into marketing careers.
- Health Sciences / Nursing (≈ 6%)
For athletes who thrive in structure and service, health sciences and nursing offer rewarding career paths in healthcare.
- Engineering / Computer Science (≈ 5%)
Challenging but rewarding, these majors are chosen by athletes who excel in math and problem-solving.
- Biology / Pre-Med (≈ 4%)
For athletes aiming at medical school or health-related professions, biology or pre-med offers a direct path.
Why These Majors Work Well for Athletes
The most common majors share three things in common:
- Flexibility: Easier to balance with practice, travel, and games.
- Relevance: Directly connect to careers in sports, business, or media.
- Opportunity: Offer clear career paths whether athletes continue in sports or not.
Choosing the Right Major for Your Athlete
There’s no “one right answer.” The best major depends on your athlete’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals. But knowing the most popular choices can help families make informed decisions during the recruiting process.
Encourage your athlete to:
- Explore majors early in the recruiting journey.
- Consider workload and how it balances with sports.
- Think beyond athletics—what career could they see themselves enjoying after sports?
Bottom Line
Most college athletes choose majors like Business, Communications, or Kinesiology because they’re practical, flexible, and align with their skills. But success is possible in every field—what matters most is finding the balance between academics and athletics.
Want to know which programs your athlete should be targeting—not just athletically, but academically too?
👉 Book a call with Alex today and let’s build a clear recruiting roadmap for your family.
