Compare 5 Intelligence, General. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $71,070. Top programs: $86,597+.
The highest-earning Intelligence, General. program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $44K earnings gap across 5 ranked programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates at the top earn $87K while the field averages $71K—a spread that makes program selection the most important decision you'll make.
Topping the list, Mercyhurst University's Intelligence program delivers $87K in median earnings for a cohort of 86 graduates. Close behind, Norwich University (Vermont) and Maryville University of Saint Louis post $85K and $84K respectively—three programs at schools most rankings overlook, all outperforming the $71K field average. Program quality, not school name, explains the difference.
Maryville University of Saint Louis stands out on debt burden: graduates carry $22,000 in student loans and face just a 4.9% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. For families factoring in parent loans, Maryville still leads with a 9.7% combined burden—solidly 'Good'—meaning the program that ranks third on earnings ranks first on financial sustainability.
Highest program earnings: $86,597
Strong outcomes ($86,597) with 81% acceptance
4.9% payment burden | Excellent
9.7% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mercyhurst UniversityPrivate | $86,597 | 86 | $25,305 | Excellent | $25,932 | Good |
| #2 | Norwich UniversityPrivate | $85,184 | 134 | $25,000 | Excellent | $22,052 | Good |
| #3 | $84,342 | 74 | $22,000 | Excellent | $18,781 | Good | |
| #4 | $56,863 | 91 | $23,750 | Good | $35,414 | High | |
| #5 | $42,362 | 98 | $21,096 | Manageable | $33,899 | 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 →
