Compare 5 Operations Research. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $126,996. Top programs: $167,572+.
The highest-earning Operations Research program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $91K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates at the top of this field earn $168K—but where you land depends on which program you choose, not simply which name is on your diploma.
Columbia University leads the rankings, with Operations Research graduates earning $168K—well above the $127K average across all five programs. Cornell's program comes in second at $152K, and UC Berkeley rounds out the top three at $139K. The spread between Columbia and the field average alone exceeds $40K, underscoring that program choice—not school prestige—determines where you end up.
Cornell's Operations Research program offers the strongest student-focused debt picture: graduates borrow just $14,000 and carry a 1.5% payment burden, firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families factoring in parent loans, UC Berkeley leads with a 5.4% combined burden on $41,508 in total debt—also 'Excellent.' At both schools, loan payments consume a minimal share of post-grad income relative to $152K and $139K in earnings respectively.
Highest program earnings: $167,572
Strong outcomes ($76,460) with 63% acceptance rate
1.5% payment burden | Excellent
5.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $167,572 | 73 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $151,709 | 80 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Excellent |
| #3 | $138,883 | 71 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Excellent | |
| #4 | Princeton UniversityPrivate | $100,354 | 64 | $10,320 | Excellent | $41,000 | Good |
| #5 | $76,460 | 45 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Manageable |
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 →
