Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Central Michigan University vary significantly by field of study, with technology and business programs leading in earnings while education and social services emphasize career preparation over maximum income. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or enrollment size.
Analyzing 60 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and value metrics at Central Michigan University.
#109 nationally
$64K 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 rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Central Michigan University.
This group delivers the strongest earnings outcomes at Central Michigan University, with Computer Science leading at $89,004 median earnings and ranking #111 nationally. Technology programs demonstrate solid career preparation with graduates entering high-demand fields.
These programs are best suited for students prioritizing maximum earning potential and technical career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #109 | $89,004★ |
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or research quality. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes based on career demand, skill requirements, and graduate preparation for different employment sectors. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and employment factors to assess overall program effectiveness. Rankings compare programs against all similar majors nationally, not just within Central Michigan University. Students should consider program outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and market conditions when making academic choices.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $21,273 |
| 61 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #168 | $88,286 | — | 24 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #137 | $84,789 | $25,416 | 48 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #133 | $82,462 | — | 32 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #14 | $75,648 | $23,670 | 50 |
| 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician. | #1 🏆 | $63,862 | — | 27 |
Business programs represent Central Michigan's largest academic focus and show strong variation in outcomes. Digital Marketing leads with $69,950 earnings and ranks #20 nationally, while Business Administration graduates 354 students annually earning $64,881.
Information Resources Management ranks #14 nationally with $82,839 earnings. This group suits students seeking practical business skills with solid employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #14 | $82,839★ | $22,500 | 65 |
| Actuarial Science. | #44 | $75,013 | — | 28 |
| Digital Marketing. | #21 | $69,950 | $26,738 | 190 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #122 | $65,971 | $18,793 | 90 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #111 | $65,653 | $27,665 | 97 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #99 | $64,881 | $24,323 | 354 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #26 | $59,968 | $25,766 | 62 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | #11 | $53,574 | $30,168 | 75 |
| International Business.Small sample | #52 | $49,436 | — | 10 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #33 | $45,653 | $29,141 | 103 |
| Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations. | #7 | $43,940 | $24,833 | 47 |
Health programs demonstrate exceptional value with Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology ranking #9 nationally and producing strong outcomes with 78 graduates earning $52,249. The program shows impressive value scores and national recognition.
This area suits students committed to healthcare service with strong clinical preparation requirements.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #15 | $59,162★ | $25,383 | 48 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #8 | $52,249 | $13,641 | 78 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | #4 | $51,061 | — | 31 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #75 | $45,630 | — | 27 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #18 | $45,042 | $27,999 | 43 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health.Small sample | — | $41,007 | — | 8 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling.Small sample | #16 | $37,208 | — | 17 |
Science programs at Central Michigan show specialized focus with Neuroanatomy ranking #18 nationally and producing $57,802 earnings from a cohort of 67 graduates. The programs emphasize preparation for graduate study and research careers.
These paths work well for students planning advanced education or specialized scientific careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability.Small sample | #35 | $74,610★ | — | 13 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #18 | $57,802 | $22,033 | 67 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #49 | $52,964 | — | 16 |
| Biology, General. | #189 | $50,721 | $32,807 | 51 |
| Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology.Small sample | #16 | $32,925 | — | 13 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #244 | $30,554 | — | 13 |
Social science programs emphasize public service and community engagement, with Community Organization and Advocacy ranking #2 nationally despite moderate earnings of $50,641. American Government and Politics graduates earn $55,204 with solid career preparation.
These programs serve students prioritizing social impact over maximum income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #107 | $55,204★ | $19,406 | 62 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | #5 | $52,781 | $33,071 | 70 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | #2 | $50,641 | $10,470 | 149 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #58 | $49,936 | — | 25 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #48 | $46,705 | $14,615 | 47 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #31 | $46,301 | — | 20 |
| Psychology, General. | #114 | $43,964 | $19,113 | 336 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #218 | $39,894 | $25,341 | 48 |
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #224 | $39,729 | — | 17 |
| Anthropology, General. | #77 | $38,449 | — | 20 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #86 | $34,530 | — | 14 |
Communications programs show diverse outcomes with Advertising leading at $51,494 earnings and ranking #25 nationally, while Digital Communication produces $41,265 earnings from larger cohorts. Program variation reflects different career paths within media and communications fields.
Best for students interested in creative and strategic communication careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #27 | $51,494★ | $21,992 | 117 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #119 | $51,268 | $27,712 | 54 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #31 | $41,265 | $27,234 | 103 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #110 | $32,022 | $28,327 | 40 |
Commercial Photography. leads humanities & arts with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #36 | $51,538★ | $34,650 | 57 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #129 | $43,068 | $45,466 | 29 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #45 | $42,752 | — | 16 |
| American History (United States). | #211 | $41,508 | — | 31 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #248 | $36,145 | $22,755 | 34 |
| Acting.Small sample | #65 | $31,405 | — | 15 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #222 | $30,139 | — | 20 |
Education programs focus on teacher preparation with Agricultural Teacher Education producing 200 graduates earning $43,844 and ranking #66 nationally. Earnings reflect typical teacher compensation patterns but demonstrate stable career outcomes.
This path suits students committed to educational service and community impact through teaching careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #80 | $43,844★ | $29,693 | 200 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #53 | $43,515 | $32,574 | 57 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #167 | $40,126 | $14,469 | 57 |
Bioenergy. leads agriculture & environment with 66K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioenergy.Small sample | — | $65,900★ | — | 5 |
| Environmental Science. | #86 | $42,661 | $18,631 | 41 |
Specialized programs include unique offerings like Adult Development and Aging ($39,851 earnings, #36 nationally) and Exercise Science and Kinesiology ($46,202 earnings, #78 nationally). These programs serve specific career niches with moderate earnings but focused professional preparation.
Suitable for students with clear career objectives in specialized fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies.Small sample | #3 | $69,066★ | — | 16 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #77 | $46,202 | $23,765 | 286 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #36 | $39,851 | $24,888 | 130 |
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.
