Asian American College Major Choice: Median Salary Information Intervention and Analysis of Six Key Influence Categories

This study examines how six influence categories and 18 factors shape Asian American students' college major selection. Rising sophomores at US colleges (N=150) identified their top major choices and estimated corresponding median salaries. After reviewing actual salary data, 46% changed their selections. Students ranked six influence categories: personal interest, intrinsic major characteristics, major-related information, family, college, and high school factors. They rated 18 specific factors—including salary data, social media, YouTube, and family members—on a 5-point Likert scale. Findings showed improved salary estimation accuracy and reduced influence from high school factors, books, grandparents, and family friends. A Probit regression model confirmed Bankrate salary data significantly predicted major-switching likelihood post-intervention. A linear regression model identified personal interest, intrinsic major characteristics, salary data, YouTube, and books as significant predictors of actual median salary estimates, while parents and siblings were not.