Caffeine isn’t just a personal preference; it might also be a reflection of your academic path. According to our survey, the intensity and type of caffeine consumption among college students vary widely depending on their college major, revealing that your field of study may say more about your energy habits than you think.
Education majors top nearly every metric in our caffeine comparison. They’re the most caffeinated cohort overall, with 9% consuming five or more drinks per day, the highest of any major group. A full 33% say they can’t function without caffeine, and 30% have gone more than 60 consecutive days without taking a break. They’re also among the top spenders, shelling out an average of $24.11 per week on their beverages of choice. Their late-night habits are notable too — 56% have consumed caffeine later than 9 pm and nearly half (48%) have experienced caffeine-related crashes or jitters.
Health and medical students aren’t far behind. This group leads in caffeine source mixing, with 60% combining multiple forms of caffeine in a single day and nearly half (48%) admit to downing multiple energy drinks in one night. Since beginning college, 42% say their caffeine consumption has spiked significantly and 46% self-identify as addicted.
Business majors are most likely to reach for a more concentrated fix; 33% have used caffeine pills and they report the highest average number of caffeine-fueled all-nighters (6.4). Their caffeine spending also places them in the top three, at $22.43 per week. This group’s habits suggest a strong drive for productivity, even at the cost of sleep.
STEM students (science, technology, engineering and math) show a more calculated relationship with caffeine. They’re the second-most likely to use caffeine pills (13%) but report the lowest rate of regular negative effects (12%). Nearly half (44%) say their major influences their caffeine intake, the highest of any other major, reflecting the demanding nature of STEM coursework and the pressure to stay sharp.
In contrast, arts and media majors appear to have the most relaxed relationship with caffeine. They spend the least on it ($15.35 per week), and 54% say they could quit easily. Still, they lead in one unique habit: 30% have consumed caffeine after midnight, making them the most nocturnal sippers. This group is also the most likely to prefer tea as their primary caffeine source (17%) and have successfully taken extended breaks from caffeine, with 36% having gone a full week or more without it.
Lastly, social science majors favor soda more than any other group (18% list it as their go-to source) and were the most likely to say caffeine makes them feel worse (5%). They also reported the lowest belief that their major affects their intake, with just 16% making a connection between their studies and their caffeine use.
