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All college students are required to declare a major, but what about a minor? This is a question many students find themselves asking halfway through their college curriculum.

Knowing about what a minor is, what it entails, and if it’s something that can bolster your career can help determine if it’s really right for you.

Keep reading to learn more about what a college minor is, how it differs from a major, and the pros and cons that come with it.

Defining a College Minor

A college minor, sometimes referred to as a “mini major,” is a group of courses you take in a certain discipline. Minors in college can complement your chosen college major or be totally unrelated.

While most colleges don’t require a student to declare a minor, some do. Schools may have a definitive criteria about your choice of minor. For instance, you may not be able to pursue a minor in the same department as your major.

For the most part a college minor is voluntary, and a student may not feel it’s important enough to take on the additional coursework in addition to their main area of study. Instead, they may want to have complete freedom to use those class credits for electives that may not be as labor intensive.

Differences Between a Major and Minor

Your major is the main area of specialty that determines the type of bachelor’s degree you’ll earn. It’s the field of study you’ve chosen based on your professional aspirations. One way to think of it is that your major is your primary job and your minor is more of a side gig.

When you’re finally awarded your college diploma, it will be for your major, not your minor. That’s because a college minor is typically considered optional and not a requirement for your core curriculum. Even if your school is one that does require you to choose a minor, it won’t be reflected on your degree unless your school is one with an exception to that rule. However, it will most likely be included in your college transcript.

Another key distinction between a college major and a minor is the amount of coursework you have to complete and how much it counts toward your final credits. Depending on your school, a major will make up one-third to one-half of the school’s credits needed to graduate, which is typically 120 credits for a four-year program.

In general, a college major will require you to complete at least 10 courses compared to five to seven classes for a minor. A minor typically requires anywhere between 16 and 30 credits.

Recommended: Credit Hours: What Are They & Why They Matter

Benefits of Pursuing a College Minor

There are many upsides to tacking on a college minor. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth pursuing, consider these pros:

Explore Complementary Interests

A college minor related to your major allows you to expand your expertise in that related field. For instance, if you’re a biology major and decide to minor in chemistry, you’re already familiar with the basics of science and look at things from a scientific perspective. There are similar analytical skills you can apply.

But even if your minor is in a different area, there are still ways it can positively impact your major. An example is if you’re majoring in political science, you may want to minor in public speaking, which can be helpful if you have any ambitions to run for elected office.

You may even find your minor is more exciting and decide to change your major to that area of interest, or decide to combine the two disciplines and pursue a double major.

However, before making any big changes, it’s a good idea to talk to your academic advisor. Depending on when you decide to do a change-up, it could add extra time toward getting your degree. This can translate into additional costs and more student debt.

Develop Secondary Skill Sets

Regardless of whether your minor directly corresponds to your major, you’re acquiring and polishing both hard and soft skills. Those more technical hard skills can be directly applied to the type of work your career requires. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more of a social and interpersonal nature. Both are important to employers and offer skills they want their prospective employees to have under their belt.

Enhance Marketability and Job Prospects

Homing in on a subject offers you the opportunity to develop more of an in-depth knowledge and expertise. A minor shows your well-roundedness, flexibility, and the ability to wear other hats. For example, a marketing major who minored in communications can be an asset in the areas of advertising, journalism, and public relations.

A complementary minor can also give you a more solid base and deeper understanding of some issues you may deal with in your occupation. If a nursing major chooses to minor in psychology, it can help them better understand patient behavior.

Overall, a minor shows a level of seriousness and willingness to challenge oneself. These are qualities that can go a long way and put you at an advantage when applying for your first job out of school, graduate school, or even for a college internship.

Recommended: 6 Ways to Save Money for Grad School

Popular College Minor Options

There are certain college minors that attract more students than others. Here are some popular ones:

STEM Minors

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, consists of natural, physical, and life sciences; computers; electronics and other types of tech; all kinds of engineering; mathematics; and areas that rely on the principles of math. Examples of STEM minors include computer science, kinesiology or exercise science, civil engineering, and statistics.

Deciding on a STEM subject for your minor can give you a leg up in the job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the STEM field are expected to grow 7% by 2032, compared to 2% for all occupations.

Business Minors

With a business minor, you can take classes in accounting, marketing, human resources, and e-commerce. Choosing business as a minor allows you to learn the fundamentals of business, which can be extremely valuable and practical out in the real world.

Knowing more about how business is conducted and becoming more savvy about finance benefits you both professionally and personally. Career-wise, it can come in handy if you’re applying for a job that may require a deeper understanding of certain business practices. In your own life, you may even get a better handle on your own financial situation when it comes to managing private student loans and staying on top of how to pay for college.

Recommended: 4 Student Loan Repayment Options and How to Choose the Right One for You

Liberal Arts Minors

Liberal arts is a field with a broad range of disciplines, including creative arts, social sciences, humanities, and more. People who decide to minor in liberal arts may choose sub-studies in English, psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, or communication.

For someone with a very demanding major, a liberal arts minor can offer a less taxing curriculum. Instead of being geared toward technical skills, liberal arts classes give students an opportunity to focus on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and verbal and written communication skills.

Language and Cultural Minors

Minors specializing in different aspects of cultural heritage and language can expose a student to different world views, beliefs, and practices.

A foreign language minor allows you the ability to become bilingual or multilingual, which is a huge asset in the workforce where there’s an increasing demand for people who speak other languages. You may want to expand on your high school language classes or minor in a completely new one.

A language minor may also be one in linguistics, which is the study of language structure, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and the history of how language has changed over time. Students may also find there’s an option at their college to minor in American Sign Language.

Cultural studies minors are designed to study all types of cultures, their histories, and perspectives. These can include groups based on class, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and geographical location. Classes in popular culture, women’s studies, world religions, and African-American or Asian studies are some examples of cultural studies minors.

Choosing a Complementary College Minor

Picking a minor in general adds extra knowledge and allows you to build more expertise in another subject. Minoring in a complementary course of study, however, shows you’re serious about exploring an area that closely aligns with your major.

Regardless of whether your minor directly corresponds to your major, you’ve decided to use a portion of your credits toward another group of required classes, and that indicates a commendable level of focus and commitment.

Potential Drawbacks of a College Minor

There are some cons that can come with declaring a minor. For one, a minor can take up a lot of time, so you’ll want to make sure it’s an area you’re genuinely curious about and have a real interest in. Consider the amount of work you’ll have to do, such as writing papers, studying, and taking exams. These additional classes could end up adding unnecessary stress to your major’s workload.

A minor could also end up costing you more money, especially if you declare a minor late in the game. You may not be able to get all the necessary classes before graduation, which means you may have to extend your education by a semester or more.

The Takeaway

A minor is, in most cases, an optional supplementary course of study that can broaden your knowledge, expand your skill set, and open up more career options after graduation. Having a college minor can also make your undergrad studies a lot more fun, especially if it’s a topic where you have a strong personal interest.

Ways to finance your minor include cash savings, scholarships, grants, and both federal and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a minor and concentration?

A minor can be a secondary course of study in any area, while a concentration is a sub-group of structured classes that directly relate to your major. For example, if you’re an English major, your concentration may be in creative writing, made up of poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose, and dramatic writing classes.

Do minors appear on your diploma or transcript?

Minors will appear on your transcript, but the mass majority of colleges and universities don’t include it on your diploma. The standard practice is to list only the student’s major on their bachelor’s degree.

How late in your college career can you add a minor?

Most colleges ask students to choose their major by the end of sophomore year or beginning of their junior year, which can also be an ideal time to choose a minor. You could declare it before you start your senior year, but it’s important to consider the fact you’ll have to cram all of that minor’s classes into one year’s time. This could impact your graduation date if you need to carry your studies over to another semester in order to fulfill your minor’s requirements.

Do minors impact financial aid eligibility?

It depends. Federal financial aid rules mandate only courses required for your major and degree program are eligible. However, classes required for a minor may be eligible for financial aid if they also satisfy major, core, or elective requirements for your degree. Otherwise, financial aid will be reconfigured or removed to reflect eligibility based on qualifying courses.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

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SOISL-Q324-034

Getting a check is typically good news — money is coming your way. However, it’s not available to spend just yet. First, you need to convert that check into cash. While there are many options for cashing checks that are free, some places charge a hefty fee for this service, shrinking the value of your check. Here’s how to cash a check for free (or a low fee).

1. Your Bank or Credit Union

Banks and credit unions generally allow you to cash a check for free if you’re an existing customer. As an account holder, you can typically cash or deposit a check in person at a branch, at an ATM, or through the bank’s mobile app. If you deposit a check at an ATM or through a mobile app, however, you may not get the entire amount of the check immediately. Usually the first $225 is available right away or in one business day, with the rest of the money being released on the second business day.

If you’re cashing a check in person, you’ll need to bring your debit card and, in some cases, a photo ID.

If you attempt to cash a check at a bank where you do not hold an account, you may be charged a fee, or the bank may simply refuse to cash the check. If you don’t have a bank account, opening a checking account will give you an easy way to cash checks for free.

2. Check Writer’s Bank

Another option for cashing a check for free, or a small fee, is to visit the bank where the funds were drawn from, also known as the issuing bank. You can find the name of the issuing bank on the front of the check.

Banks will typically cash a check for free if the check is written from one of their own accounts. However, some banks may charge a small fee for non-account holders, such as a percentage (like 2%) of the check. In some cases, a bank might offer free check-cashing up to a certain dollar amount (such as $25), with a fee for higher amounts. To cash a check as a non-account holder, you may also have to supply two forms of ID.

3. ​​Retail Stores

Some large retail stores and supermarkets offer check-cashing services, though there is typically a fee. For example, Walmart will cash payroll checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and some other types of pre-printed checks for a low fee (at the time of publication, up to $4 for checks up to $1,000; a max off $8 for larger checks). Certain grocery store chains, such as Kroger or Albertsons, also offer check-cashing for payroll, government, insurance, or business checks for a fee (typically around $4).

If you’re heading to a store to cash a check, be sure to bring a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Also keep in mind that retail stores might not cash certain checks, such as personal checks.

Recommended: Can You Cash Checks at an ATM?

4. Payment Apps

Some payment apps offer the ability to deposit checks into your account without a fee if you’re willing to wait a while to access the funds. PayPal and Venmo, for example, have mobile check deposit features that allow users to take a photo of a check and deposit it electronically into their account.

With PayPal, there is no fee if you’re willing to wait 10 days to access your funds. If you want expedited check cashing, the fee is 1% for payroll and government checks with a pre-printed signature (with a minimum fee of $5) and 5% for all other accepted check types, including hand-signed payroll and government checks (with a minimum fee of $5). Venmo offers similar terms.

5. Load Onto a Prepaid Card​​

Another way to cash a check (potentially for free) is to load it onto a prepaid card using the card’s mobile check deposit feature. Once the check clears, you’ll be able to access the funds as cash by making a withdrawal at an ATM. Depending on the service, you may be able to get some of the funds right away.

Before using this option, however, you’ll want to check whether your prepaid card provider charges fees for reloading the card and/or cashing a check, as terms vary by company.

Recommended: What Is a Second Chance Checking Account?

Where Not to Cash a Check

If you’re looking to cash a check for free or a low fee, you’ll generally want to avoid check-cashing stores. These stores specialize in cashing checks for individuals without bank accounts, and typically charge steep fees for their services. Costs can run as high as 10% of the check’s value, which can be a hefty sum, especially for large checks.

Some check-cashing services are located in low-income areas, often within or alongside payday loan shops. In some cases, a check-cashing outlet might try to lure you into taking out a high-interest payday loan, which can trap you into a cycle of fees and high costs.

Recommended: What to Know if You’ve Been Denied a Checking Account

The Takeaway

Banks generally allow you to cash a check for free if you’re an account holder. If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to cash a check for free by visiting the check writer’s bank, loading it to a prepaid card, or using the check-deposit feature on a payment app. You can also cash payroll and government checks at some retail stores, but expect to pay a fee.

If you don’t have a bank account, opening one will provide a long-term solution for cashing checks. Cashing a check at a bank where you have an account is free and, typically, the most convenient method.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

Where is the cheapest place to cash a check?

The cheapest place to cash a check is likely the bank or credit union where you have an account, where it’s likely to be free. Another option is to cash the check at the check writer’s bank; many banks offer this service for free or for a minimal fee if you are not an account holder. Retail stores like Walmart also offer check-cashing services at a low fee, typically under $4 for checks up to $1,000. Additionally, some prepaid cards and payment apps provide free mobile check deposit options if you’re willing to wait for processing.

Where can I cash a check without having a bank account?

If you don’t have a bank account, you may be able to cash a check at the check writer’s bank or at a large retailer or supermarket (for a fee). Other options include loading the check onto a prepaid card or using a payment app’s mobile check deposit feature. You can also cash a check at a check-cashing store, but this tends to be the most expensive option.

What app will cash a check immediately?

Several payment apps allow you to cash a check immediately, but it typically comes with a cost. For example, PayPal and Venmo also offer mobile check deposit services. If you can wait 10 days before the funds are available in your account, the service is free. If you want immediate access, you’ll pay a fee of 1% to 5%, depending on the type of check.

Photo credit: iStock/Fly View Productions

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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.