Compare 5 Operations Research. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $98,934. Top programs: $129,529+.
The highest-earning Operations Research program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $53K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Cornell University's Operations Research program leads with graduates earning $129,529, well above the $98,934 average. Southern Methodist University follows at $103,672, while Princeton rounds out the top three at $100,354—demonstrating that program strength varies independently of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cornell graduates borrow $14,000 and face just a 1.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $129,529 | 89 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Excellent |
| #2 | $103,672 | 37 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Good | |
| #3 | Princeton UniversityPrivate | $100,354 | 69 | $10,320 | Excellent | $41,000 | Good |
| #4 | $84,653 | 77 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $76,460 | 58 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good |
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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
