Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Amherst College vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 12 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#11 nationally
$114K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Amherst College.
Computer Science at Amherst stands out with exceptional earnings of $194,751 and ranks #11 nationally. This program demonstrates the college's strength in quantitative fields, producing graduates who compete effectively with those from major research universities.
The program combines liberal arts breadth with technical depth, making it ideal for students seeking both analytical rigor and strong post-graduation earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #11 | $194,751 | — | 46 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, which tracks median earnings ten years after enrollment and debt levels at graduation. Outcomes vary significantly because different academic fields lead to different career paths and labor market conditions. A program's rank within its field indicates how well graduates perform compared to the same major at other institutions, not compared to different majors. Strong programs at Amherst may still show modest earnings if the field typically produces lower incomes, while others may show high earnings due to market demand for specific skills. Rankings consider both earnings levels and debt burdens to provide a comprehensive view of program value. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome estimates. This methodology focuses on measurable post-graduation results rather than institutional reputation or program prestige.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Mathematics programs show strong outcomes, with Algebra and Number Theory ranking #5 nationally and producing earnings of $109,199. However, biological sciences like Neuroanatomy show more modest earnings at $38,387.
This group demonstrates significant variation in post-graduation outcomes, with mathematics-focused programs outperforming life sciences. Students should consider career trajectory preferences when choosing within this diverse group.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #5 | $109,199★ | — | 68 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #52 | $38,387 | — | 26 |
Programs in this group show mixed outcomes, with American Government and Politics producing earnings of $59,433 despite ranking #125 nationally. Behavioral Neuroscience, while interdisciplinary, earns $46,087 and ranks #14 nationally in its specialized field.
These programs prioritize analytical skills and civic engagement, appealing to students interested in public service or research-oriented careers where earnings may develop over longer time horizons.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #4 | $127,636★ | — | 74 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #123 | $59,433 | — | 40 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #14 | $46,087 | — | 55 |
American History achieves remarkable success with #1 national ranking and earnings of $114,276, demonstrating exceptional program strength. English Literature earns $49,206 while ranking #50 nationally, showing solid but more modest outcomes.
Language programs like Catalan Literature produce surprisingly strong earnings of $67,101. This group rewards students who value intellectual depth and writing skills, with outcomes varying significantly by specific field focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #1 🏆 | $114,276★ | — | 33 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #8 | $67,101 | — | 23 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #47 | $49,206 | — | 39 |
Area studies programs including African Studies ($49,923 earnings) and African-American/Black Studies ($40,120 earnings) provide specialized knowledge with moderate earning outcomes. These programs rank respectably within their fields nationally, suggesting strong program quality.
Students pursuing these paths typically prioritize social impact and cultural understanding over maximum earning potential, though outcomes remain competitive with many traditional liberal arts fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #25 | $49,923★ | — | 28 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #35 | $40,120 | — | 20 |
| Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General.Small sample | #3 | $37,208 | — | 17 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
