Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Boston University 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 46 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#69 nationally
$62K 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 Boston University.
Engineering programs deliver some of the highest graduate earnings while maintaining strong national rankings. Computer Science graduates earn $119,493 with 232 students graduating annually, ranking #66 nationally.
Computer Engineering produces exceptional earnings of $110,259 with top-25 national ranking. Bioengineering combines strong earnings of $84,960 with #26 national ranking.
These programs are best suited for students prioritizing technical careers and maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #69 | $119,493★ |
Program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes including graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment, measured through federal College Scorecard data. Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career paths, industry demand, and graduate school continuation rates vary significantly by field of study. Rankings compare programs to similar majors at institutions nationwide, not to other programs at Boston University. Data includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts to ensure statistical reliability. Earnings represent median income for bachelor's degree recipients ten years after enrollment, providing mature career income rather than entry-level salaries. These outcome-based rankings complement but differ from traditional prestige or reputation measures, focusing on quantifiable post-graduation results that students and families can use for educational planning and career decision-making.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $67,581 |
| 232 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #27 | $110,259 | — | 86 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #63 | $95,438 | — | 41 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #27 | $84,960 | $34,701 | 143 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #171 | $84,331 | $78,550 | 160 |
Business programs at Boston University demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings and rankings. Business Administration ranks #19 nationally with strong graduate earnings of $86,755 and exceptional value scores, making it the largest program by enrollment with 691 graduates.
Applied Economics shows solid performance at #101 nationally, graduating 300 students with median earnings of $77,424. These programs are best suited for students prioritizing career versatility and proven employment outcomes in competitive metropolitan markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #19 | $86,755★ | $57,861 | 691 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #5 | $59,608 | — | 69 |
Health programs demonstrate solid performance with strong national rankings. Health Services ranks #21 nationally with 181 graduates earning $59,945 and value scores of 74.4, ranking #1 in Massachusetts.
This program is well-suited for students seeking healthcare administration and allied health careers with established pathways into growing sectors of the economy.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #4 | $74,492★ | — | 38 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.Small sample | #21 | $66,199 | — | 12 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #1 🏆 | $61,867 | — | 50 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #20 | $59,945 | $67,597 | 181 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #64 | $52,107 | — | 19 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #97 | $29,685 | — | 11 |
Sciences programs show mixed outcomes with some exceptional performers. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ranks #19 nationally with graduates earning $63,204, demonstrating preparation for advanced study and research careers.
Biology programs generate more modest earnings around $56,324 despite substantial enrollment. Mathematics programs like Algebra and Number Theory show strong earnings of $68,307.
These programs are best for students prioritizing graduate school preparation and research pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #57 | $68,307★ | — | 117 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #19 | $63,204 | $55,000 | 123 |
| Biology, General. | #222 | $56,324 | $92,828 | 128 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #5 | $55,261 | — | 29 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #26 | $54,972 | $45,000 | 126 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #150 | $41,342 | — | 31 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #28 | $35,873 | $66,446 | 88 |
Social sciences programs show varied performance across different career pathways. International Relations ranks #24 nationally with 220 graduates earning $60,926, reflecting strong preparation for government and nonprofit careers.
Psychology generates more modest earnings of $51,117 despite solid #74 national ranking. American Government and Politics produces graduates earning $58,315.
These programs prioritize long-term academic and public service pathways over immediate earnings maximization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #103 | $77,424★ | $74,684 | 300 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | #6 | $61,389 | — | 28 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #25 | $60,926 | $64,885 | 220 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #188 | $58,315 | $81,611 | 120 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #53 | $55,876 | — | 47 |
| Psychology, General. | #76 | $51,117 | $45,361 | 264 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | #11 | $48,015 | — | 27 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #29 | $47,165 | — | 18 |
Communications programs achieve top-tier national rankings with strong employment outcomes. Communication and Media Studies ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, graduating 428 students with median earnings of $69,156 and outstanding value scores of 97.3.
Digital Communication ranks #18 nationally with 196 graduates earning $51,602. These programs stand out for students seeking creative industries careers with strong institutional support and alumni networks in major media markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #8 | $69,156★ | $79,041 | 428 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #8 | $58,645 | $51,826 | 110 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #17 | $51,602 | $69,478 | 196 |
Catalan Language and Literature. leads humanities & arts with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #37 | $57,180★ | — | 17 |
| American History (United States). | #107 | $47,852 | — | 42 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #20 | $47,043 | — | 46 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #106 | $46,836 | — | 64 |
| Commercial Photography. | #94 | $45,558 | — | 27 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #43 | $44,964 | — | 21 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #46 | $41,954 | — | 42 |
| Brass Instruments. | #107 | $33,281 | — | 31 |
| Acting. | #59 | $29,886 | — | 57 |
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. leads education with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #39 | $50,606★ | — | 14 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #89 | $48,756 | — | 28 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #81 | $46,399 | — | 44 |
Nutrition Sciences. leads other & interdisciplinary with 56K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition Sciences. | #12 | $55,707★ | — | 22 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #54 | $49,683 | — | 61 |
| African Studies.Small sample | #59 | $31,851 | — | 15 |
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.
