Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Bowdoin College vary significantly by field of study, reflecting the diverse career paths available through a liberal arts education. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 12 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national ranking, and value creation.
#67 nationally
$42K median earnings
Earning potential varies dramatically across Bowdoin's program offerings, reflecting the diverse career paths available through liberal arts education. Technical fields like Computer Science lead earnings outcomes, while traditional liberal arts fields show more modest immediate returns but often prepare students for graduate education or careers with longer development timelines. The earnings tables below illustrate these patterns across all tracked programs.
Bowdoin demonstrates particular strength in programs that combine liberal arts education with clear career pathways. American Government and Politics achieves #30 national ranking with exceptional value creation, while Applied Economics ranks #65 nationally with strong earning potential. Computer Science leads in absolute earnings despite ranking #73 nationally, reflecting the field's high earning potential across institutions. The program tables below provide detailed comparisons of ranking performance across all available fields.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs within each category by earnings, national rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Bowdoin College.
Computer Science stands as Bowdoin's highest-earning program, delivering $128,937 in median earnings with a national ranking of #73. Despite the small cohort size of 25 graduates, this program demonstrates exceptional return on investment within the liberal arts context.
This field is best suited for students seeking technical skills with strong earning potential in a broader liberal arts environment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #67 | $128,937 | — | 25 |
Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career paths vary significantly by field of study. Computer Science graduates typically enter high-paying technology roles immediately after graduation, while Biology graduates often pursue medical or graduate school, affecting short-term earnings. Humanities majors may prioritize graduate education or careers with longer development timelines. Rankings reflect actual labor market results from federal College Scorecard data, based on graduates' median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts (typically 10+ per year) receive federal reporting. These outcomes represent career results, not academic quality, helping students understand the economic implications of different academic choices. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels, providing a comprehensive measure of program return on investment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores at Bowdoin incorporate both earnings outcomes and debt levels, providing comprehensive assessment of program return on investment. American Government and Politics achieves the highest value score of 90.1, combining solid earnings with exceptional debt management. Applied Economics and Mathematics also demonstrate strong value creation through balanced outcomes. The value analysis tables below detail these calculations across all programs.
Most Bowdoin programs demonstrate excellent loan affordability, with Computer Science, Applied Economics, American Government and Politics, and Mathematics all achieving Excellent affordability ratings. Some liberal arts fields like English and Applied Sociology show higher payment burdens relative to early-career earnings, though these often improve with career progression or graduate education. Environmental Science and some Biology tracks show manageable affordability with extended payoff timelines.
Mathematics (Algebra and Number Theory) delivers solid earnings of $67,101 with ranking #58 nationally, while Biology and Neuroanatomy show more modest immediate earnings around $39,000. These programs typically serve students planning graduate or professional school continuation rather than immediate workforce entry.
Best suited for students prioritizing academic preparation over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #58 | $67,101★ | — | 45 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #45 | $39,369 | — | 37 |
| Biology, General. | #324 | $39,009 | — | 29 |
This group shows remarkable variation, from Applied Economics earning $88,368 to Applied/Public Sociology at $30,771. American Government and Politics ranks #30 nationally with strong earnings of $69,008 and exceptional value scores.
These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing public service, policy work, or graduate school preparation, with economics offering the strongest immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #64 | $88,368★ | — | 63 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #28 | $69,008 | — | 83 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #254 | $30,771 | — | 25 |
English Language and Literature shows the most challenging immediate earnings at $22,771, though this reflects typical patterns for humanities fields focused on graduate school preparation or careers requiring advanced degrees. With 30 graduates annually, this remains a core liberal arts offering.
Best suited for students planning graduate study or careers prioritizing intellectual fulfillment over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | — | $32,925★ | — | 7 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #209 | $30,771 | — | 19 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #312 | $22,771 | — | 30 |
Environmental Science produces graduates earning $38,638 with 37 students annually, ranking #92 nationally. While immediate earnings appear modest, this field often requires graduate training for career advancement.
This program suits students committed to environmental careers and willing to pursue additional education for specialized roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #95 | $38,638 | — | 37 |
African Studies ranks exceptionally well at #21 nationally despite modest immediate earnings of $42,123. With 58 graduates, this represents one of Bowdoin's larger programs, suggesting strong student interest and institutional commitment.
This field suits students prioritizing academic depth and cultural understanding over immediate financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #21 | $42,123 | — | 58 |
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.
