Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Brown 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 30 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#4 nationally
$47K median earnings
Earnings outcomes vary substantially across Brown's academic programs, reflecting different industry demand patterns and typical career trajectories. The program tables below highlight both absolute earnings levels and relative performance within academic categories, helping students understand which fields generate the strongest financial returns on their educational investment.
Brown's program portfolio includes multiple nationally-ranked offerings across diverse academic fields. The tables below organize programs by category, allowing students to compare outcomes within related fields and understand how different disciplines perform in terms of earnings, debt, and return on investment. National rankings reflect performance relative to similar programs at other institutions, providing context for Brown's competitive position across different academic areas.
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 Brown University.
This group demonstrates exceptional outcomes at Brown, led by Computer Science which ranks #4 nationally with median earnings of $218,525. Applied Engineering graduates earn $87,937 while ranking #7 nationally, showing strong performance across technical fields.
These programs consistently deliver among the highest returns on educational investment, with Computer Science achieving a 98.4 value score. This group is best suited for students prioritizing maximum long-term earning potential and competitive advantage in high-demand technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #4 | $218,525 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or institutional prestige. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates six to ten years after enrollment, providing reliable measures of career success across different fields. Rankings compare programs nationally within specific majors, not across institutions generally. Variations in outcomes reflect genuine differences in career trajectories, industry demand, and typical post-graduation paths including graduate school attendance. Students should consider these metrics alongside personal interests and career goals when evaluating academic programs. Data represents graduates with sufficient cohort sizes to ensure statistical reliability, though some specialized programs may show limited sample sizes.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with educational costs and debt levels to identify programs delivering the strongest return on investment. The categorized program listings below show how different fields balance financial outcomes with educational expenses, providing students with comprehensive data for program selection based on economic considerations.
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| 229 |
| Applied Engineering. | #9 | $87,937 | — | 65 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.Small sample | #82 | $74,180 | — | 14 |
Programs in this cluster show strong variation in outcomes, with Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations leading nationally (#1 rank, $111,654 earnings) despite smaller cohorts. Applied Economics ranks #30 nationally with solid earnings of $94,824 and substantial enrollment of 203 graduates.
The range reflects different career trajectories within business fields, from specialized entrepreneurship to broader economic analysis roles. This group suits students seeking quantitative business skills with flexibility across industries and career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | #1 🏆 | $111,654 | — | 57 |
Health graduates earn 62K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #9 | $61,595 | — | 53 |
This group spans from exceptional performers to more modest outcomes, with Applied Mathematics ranking #3 nationally and earning $125,979 among 178 graduates. Biology programs show lower earnings ($43,674) despite strong national recognition, reflecting typical pre-professional and graduate school pathways.
Neuroanatomy provides middle-ground outcomes at $60,312 with strong national ranking (#17). Students pursuing this path typically prioritize graduate school preparation or research careers over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #3 | $125,979★ | — | 178 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #17 | $60,312 | — | 62 |
| Biology, General. | #334 | $43,674 | $60,460 | 93 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #74 | $43,637 | — | 24 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #97 | $29,685 | — | 26 |
These programs demonstrate solid earnings outcomes with multiple top-tier national rankings. International Relations ranks #3 nationally with graduates earning $82,229, while American Government and Politics ranks #38 nationally at $72,438 earnings.
Education Policy Analysis shows strong specialized outcomes ranking #10 nationally. Programs in this cluster balance intellectual engagement with practical career preparation, best suited for students interested in public service, policy analysis, or graduate study in social sciences.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #32 | $94,824★ | — | 203 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #4 | $82,229 | — | 79 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #39 | $72,438 | — | 78 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #10 | $58,161 | — | 60 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #12 | $48,731 | — | 25 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #32 | $39,493 | — | 70 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #103 | $35,060 | — | 18 |
Communication and Media Studies, Other. leads communications with 36K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #235 | $36,141 | — | 45 |
This group shows varied outcomes reflecting different post-graduation pathways. American History ranks #14 nationally with graduates earning $62,308, demonstrating strong outcomes for liberal arts fields.
English Literature and Creative Writing show more modest earnings ($46,388 and $30,741 respectively) but provide strong preparation for graduate study and careers requiring analytical writing. These programs prioritize intellectual development and critical thinking skills, typically attracting students planning graduate study or careers in education, publishing, or creative fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #14 | $62,308★ | — | 87 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #16 | $53,108 | — | 20 |
| Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.Small sample | #1 🏆 | $47,260 | — | 16 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #124 | $46,388 | — | 76 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #154 | $32,925 | — | 49 |
| Creative Writing. | #40 | $30,741 | — | 53 |
Education graduates earn 62K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | #2 | $61,660 | — | 24 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 46K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #96 | $45,968 | — | 36 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 44K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Biology. | #4 | $59,566★ | — | 41 |
| African Studies. | #23 | $48,838 | — | 78 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #54 | $41,565 | — | 11 |
| Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program. | #22 | $28,019 | — | 32 |
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.
