I’m in a pickle right now, I entered UIUC as a Biology Major because I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to major in. Throughout my first year in college I found out that I really liked three majors in specifics, Graphic Design, Advertising, and Marketing. I talked it through with counselors and submitted a portfolio to get into the college of Fine and Applied Arts. Now I’m kind of rethinking things because I heard graphic designers don’t get paid much and is also hard to find a job with. Can someone please help me decide?
Also if I do major in graphic design would a double major with Advertising or Marketing be more beneficial?
Thanks.
Would the Marketing be a business major? And is Advertising also a business major or do you mean advertising art?
GD’ers can do a bunch of things including work in advertising or brand design, package design, web-design, etc. A double major is usually a good idea if you can swing it. Majoring in something visual/design-y and something analytical gives you a pretty well rounded pedigree, I think.
If you are smart and talented and you truly enjoy making and designing, then you will find a way to make a living. Think broadly and outside the box. Design is more than just layout - it’s a big picture way of thinking and some of your visual arts training would give you exposure in that.
Bio is a popular major but not sure there are high paying jobs there either. 
You remind me of someone my D and I met when we were visiting Pratt Institute this spring (D is planning a communications design major there). A young lady was a transfer from UC Berkeley where she had been majoring in Marine Biology. However, during her freshman year she decided she really wanted to do fashion design instead, and opted to transfer to an art/design school to pursue that. She had to spend an extra year of study (art schools have a foundation year that is really hard to get out of, even for transfers) but she is very happy. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.
Years ago, while working on my master’s, there was a girl in a basic biology class that I had to take (my undergrad was not in a science major) who was there because her father “wanted her to be a doctor”. She admitted she hated it and wanted to do fashion design instead. IMHO, this is one of the biggest mistakes parents can make, telling their kids what they need to become. I hope this girl eventually escaped as Mamelot’s person did.
Graphic Designer here, though I no longer work in the field, so do with my advice what you will. Advertising and Marketing will give you an advantage as a graphic designer, as more opportunities will be available than just a designer. My degree actually included classes in those areas and I really enjoyed them. They really help you see the bigger picture of what your design is trying to accomplish and why. For a while, I wanted to go back and get a Master’s in Marketing, but never did. If you like graphic design, advertising and marketing, go for it. Better to have a career you enjoy and there’s no guarantee of a big paycheck no matter what career field you enter.