Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Case Western Reserve University vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and computer science programs delivering exceptional returns while liberal arts and social sciences show more modest earnings. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 20 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#118 nationally
$54K 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, national ranking, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Case Western Reserve University.
Engineering programs at Case Western consistently rank among the top in Ohio and deliver exceptional earnings outcomes. Biomedical Engineering ranks #19 nationally with graduates earning $88,056, while Electrical Engineering (#62 nationally) produces median earnings of $91,504.
Computer Science, the university's largest program with 129 graduates, earns $103,989 and ranks #1 in Ohio. These programs demonstrate Case Western's technical excellence and strong industry connections, making them ideal for students prioritizing high-return STEM careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #118 | $103,989 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates' median income ten years after enrollment, while debt figures represent median borrowing for degree completion. Rankings compare programs to similar majors at other institutions nationwide, with value scores incorporating both earnings and debt considerations. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Programs with strong graduate school continuation may show lower initial earnings that understate long-term career potential. These metrics help students understand likely financial outcomes while recognizing that individual results depend on career choices, geographic location, and personal engagement with educational and professional opportunities.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $73,514 |
| 129 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #64 | $91,504 | — | 52 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #20 | $88,056 | — | 82 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #97 | $83,342 | — | 46 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #158 | $82,466 | $46,560 | 91 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.Small sample | #46 | $79,428 | — | 18 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #167 | $61,814 | — | 26 |
Business programs at Case Western combine strong earnings with competitive national rankings. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #69 nationally and #3 in Ohio, with graduates earning $77,380.
Applied Economics graduates earn $64,148 while ranking #104 nationally. These programs benefit from the university's location in Cleveland's financial district and established alumni networks, providing excellent preparation for finance and consulting careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #62 | $78,857★ | — | 34 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #65 | $77,380 | — | 63 |
| Digital Marketing. | #193 | $45,251 | — | 21 |
Case Western's nursing program produces graduates earning $65,924 with median debt of $29,500, though it ranks #263 nationally. The program serves regional healthcare needs and provides stable career outcomes.
Adult Health Nursing represents the primary healthcare pathway, with moderate earnings reflecting the nursing profession's salary structure rather than program quality.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #270 | $65,924 | $29,500 | 58 |
Science programs show varied outcomes, with chemistry leading earnings and biology serving pre-professional pathways. Analytical Chemistry ranks #26 nationally with graduates earning $63,474, demonstrating exceptional value.
Biology programs produce more modest earnings ($47,902) but serve students pursuing medical and graduate school pathways. Biochemistry graduates earn $25,053, reflecting graduate school continuation rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry. | #24 | $63,474★ | — | 41 |
| Biology, General. | #304 | $47,902 | $70,904 | 67 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #90 | $25,053 | — | 55 |
Social science programs at Case Western show mixed outcomes, with Psychology producing modest earnings of $38,468 despite strong enrollment of 73 students. Applied Economics performs better at $64,148 and ranks #104 nationally.
These programs serve students pursuing graduate education, public service, or careers where starting salaries understate long-term potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #101 | $64,148★ | — | 63 |
| Anthropology, General. | #5 | $54,040 | — | 34 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #252 | $44,642 | — | 24 |
| Psychology, General. | #327 | $38,468 | $66,871 | 73 |
Anthropology stands out with exceptional national ranking (#4) and strong earnings of $54,040 relative to typical humanities outcomes. This interdisciplinary program benefits from Case Western's research focus and demonstrates how liberal arts can deliver competitive career preparation when combined with analytical skills and research experience.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #207 | $43,461 | — | 23 |
Cognitive Science, General. leads other & interdisciplinary with 30K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science, General. | #15 | $30,198 | — | 52 |
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.
