Compare 7 Systems Science and Theory. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $73,322. Top programs: $146,929+.
Systems Science and Theory programs produce graduates earning between $34,265 and $146,929—a $113K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The data makes the case clearly: evaluate the program, not just the school.
Carnegie Mellon University leads with Systems Science and Theory graduates earning $146,929—nearly double the $73,322 national average across ranked programs. More telling: James Madison University, a public school in Virginia accepting 72% of applicants, delivers $91,034 in median earnings. Regional publics competing at this level are exactly why prestige-based selection leaves money on the table.
Carnegie Mellon graduates borrow $21,750 in student loans and face just a 2.4% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments barely register against post-grad income. James Madison also earns 'Excellent' status at 4.0% student burden on $20,093 in debt. High earnings paired with low debt burden is the combination that actually matters. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →
Highest program earnings: $146,929
Strong outcomes ($91,034) with 72% acceptance
2.4% payment burden | Excellent
7.1% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $146,929 | 118 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Excellent |
| #2 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $91,034 | 55 | $20,093 | Excellent | $37,285 | Manageable |
| #3 | $70,820 | 11 | $23,725 | Excellent | $17,794 | Manageable | |
| #4 | La Salle UniversityPrivate | $64,444 | 33 | $25,000 | Good | $31,871 | Challenging |
| #5 | $57,510 | 57 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Marshall UniversityPublic | $48,250 | 13 | $23,250 | Manageable | $13,944 | Challenging |
| #7 | $34,265 | 75 | — | — | — | — |
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 →
