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As the job market tightens even further, selecting a college major that will lead to a viable career is paramount, according to CareerCast.com's "College Degrees with the Best Job Prospects." "Selecting the right educational path is more important than ever," says CareerCast.com's online content editor Kyle Kensing. "More prospective employees with greater educational training are competing for fewer jobs and the cost of college is rising, sparking debate over the value of post-secondary education." Related: How prepared are college grads for the job market? Many figures point to the prudence of going to college: those with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $1,193 per week in 2017, compared to $761 for those whose highest level of education was a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Statistics also show that college graduates have higher employment rates, bigger salaries and more work benefits than high school graduates. Still, many graduates struggle with "crippling student loan debt," forcing many to live with their parents and delay marriage, financial independence, and other adult milestones, according to the report. "Learning a trade profession may be a better option than college for many young adults," Kensing says. "The high number of young adults choosing college over learning a trade has created a 'skills gap' in the US and there is now a shortage of trade workers such as machinists, electricians, plumbers, and construction workers. Those who choose not to attain a college degree can build a rewarding and profitable career by gaining the skills and training for these in-demand occupations." CareerCast.com evaluated statistics from the BLS, trends from the Georgetown University Center of Education and the Workforce, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers -- referenced against CareerCast.com's 2018 Jobs Rated report -- and determined the best college undergraduate majors for undecided students and those looking to make a career change.