Compare 15 Behavioral Sciences. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $44,713. Top programs: $58,883+.
The highest-earning Behavioral Sciences program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $28K earnings gap across 15 programs — from $31K to $59K — the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Where you study behavioral sciences matters far more than how well-known the school is.
Topping the list, the University of Kansas delivers Behavioral Sciences graduates earning $59K — well above the $45K field average. That's a public university in Lawrence, Kansas outpacing programs at higher-profile private institutions. University of Houston–Clear Lake ranks third at $51K with a net price of just $7,330, underscoring how regional publics consistently compete on outcomes.
High earnings matter — but so does what you borrow to get there. University of Kansas graduates carry $21K in student debt with a payment burden of just 7.9%, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating — meaning loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income. For families weighing parent loans too, University of Houston–Clear Lake leads with a 16.7% combined burden, the most manageable family debt picture in this field. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $58,883
Strong outcomes ($58,883) with 93% acceptance
7.9% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
16.7% family burden | Manageable — payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of KansasPublic | $58,883 | 58 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Challenging |
| #2 | George Fox UniversityPrivate | $56,440 | 33 | $24,250 | Good | $33,547 | High |
| #3 | $51,151 | 46 | $17,831 | Good | $14,731 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $48,922 | 23 | $26,063 | Manageable | $31,387 | High | |
| #5 | $48,215 | 22 | $25,750 | Manageable | $18,850 | High | |
| #6 | Life Pacific UniversityPrivate | $47,612 | 32 | $22,395 | Manageable | $17,305 | Challenging |
| #7 | Saint Francis UniversityPrivate | $47,316 | 16 | $27,000 | Manageable | $38,844 | High |
| #8 | $46,125 | 20 | $18,500 | Good | $13,480 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Concordia University-IrvinePrivate | $46,098 | 18 | $24,247 | Manageable | $26,000 | High |
| #10 | Missouri Baptist UniversityPrivate | $44,069 | 17 | $22,500 | Manageable | $17,265 | High |
| #11 | $38,391 | 41 | $19,000 | Manageable | $51,114 | High | |
| #12 | $37,956 | 8 | $21,229 | Challenging | $14,984 | High | |
| #13 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $35,817 | 11 | $20,500 | Challenging | $27,445 | High |
| #14 | East-West UniversityPrivate | $32,925 | 8 | $26,986 | High | $11,146 | High |
| #15 | Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate | $30,771 | 19 | $10,250 | Manageable | $29,048 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
