Coming into USC, I was confident with my major — journalism. However, my time at the University has changed this.

During in-class introductions, I couldn’t help but notice the blaring fact that most people have majors with a high starting salary. The most popular majors at USC are business-related, and according to the 2021 Marshall School of Business statistics, the average salary for these graduates is $72,800 — a stark comparison to the average entry salary for journalists in Southern California, which ranges from $42,810 to $56,128.

Since freshman year, I’ve struggled with an internal question: Can I justify spending around $317,000 pursuing a degree that probably won’t reap any significant monetary benefits? To make matters worse, whenever my parents’ friends asked me about my major, I was almost always met with disapproval. They all questioned the salary that comes with being a journalist.

Despite the negative general consensus, I understand their qualms. It’s unrealistic not to take into account the return on investment when choosing a major. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, low pay and lack of opportunities for advancement were one of the top reasons why Americans quit their jobs in 2021.

In a perfect world, everybody would study what they are truly passionate about, without regarding how it could socioeconomically impact them in the future. However, we live in a capitalistic, money-oriented society. The majority of the time, passion can’t be the only aspect that dictates our future.

I used to be wracked with guilt because I thought I wasn’t staying true to myself. I love writing, reporting and learning about news and media. However, I’ve decided that I want to pursue a dual degree as a compromise. I’m always interested in learning new things, which is why I don’t consider myself a sellout — I haven’t compromised my principles. I’m simply just looking out for myself and my future.

It’s 100% valid to take money into consideration when pursuing a career, and you’re not a sell out just because you decide to factor in how money plays a role in your future. Student loans and debt are real problems that the majority of us have to deal with, and the bills sometimes can’t be paid with just passion alone.

On the flip side, it’s important to think about your future happiness. Just over four fifths of American college students chose a major they love. Not everybody can survive and thrive in a cut-throat culture when climbing the corporate ladder.

It’s completely reasonable to choose a major out of passion, just as it’s also equally justified to choose a major for its monetary benefits. In either case, feel comforted by the fact that you won’t be the first or the last person who does. Many people have chosen the same route that you ultimately decide.

It’s difficult to make such a life-impacting decision at such a young age. Just remember, everybody is on their own path, and you should stand by whatever choice you decide works best for you.