Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Centre College vary significantly by field of study, reflecting different career pathways and labor market demands across disciplines. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or institutional prestige.
Analyzing 9 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment levels.
#125 nationally
$65K 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 Centre College.
Biology, General ranks #366 nationally and #8 in Kentucky with earnings of $22,771, reflecting the challenges facing life sciences graduates in early career earnings. While the program maintains solid enrollment with 27 students, the lower earnings reflect typical patterns for biology graduates who often pursue graduate education or healthcare training that delays immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #382 | $22,771 | — | 27 |
Program outcomes reflect actual labor market results based on federal College Scorecard data, tracking graduates' earnings and debt levels rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes due to distinct career pathways, industry employment patterns, and graduate school continuation rates. Rankings emphasize post-graduation financial outcomes including earnings, debt management, and return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates tracked in federal data, with larger cohorts providing greater statistical confidence. These outcomes help students understand the financial implications of program choice while recognizing that individual results depend on career decisions, geographic location, and economic conditions beyond institutional control.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
American Government and Politics ranks #62 nationally and #1 in Kentucky, producing graduates earning $65,598 with strong value scores of 79.3. Psychology, General ranks #145 nationally while maintaining #1 status in Kentucky with earnings of $48,226.
Both programs demonstrate Centre College's strength in preparing students for careers in public service, graduate school, and professional fields requiring analytical thinking skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #125 | $67,177★ | $53,200 | 74 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #61 | $65,598 | — | 25 |
| Sociology and Anthropology.Small sample | #1 🏆 | $54,158 | — | 18 |
| Psychology, General. | #148 | $48,226 | — | 22 |
Catalan Language and Literature achieves remarkable distinction as the #1 nationally ranked program with a perfect value score of 100.0 and strong $65,445 earnings. This specialized program demonstrates Centre College's unique academic offerings and commitment to language education.
The program's exceptional ranking reflects both rarity and strong outcomes, making it ideal for students with specific interests in Romance languages and international studies.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #1 🏆 | $65,445★ | — | 27 |
| American History (United States).Small sample | #35 | $51,858 | — | 16 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #194 | $38,211 | — | 16 |
International/Globalization Studies ranks #37 nationally and #2 in Kentucky with 30 graduates earning $35,367. The program's strong national ranking reflects Centre College's interdisciplinary approach to global education, though earnings remain moderate.
This program suits students planning graduate education or international careers where initial earning potential may develop over longer timeframes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies. | #38 | $35,367 | — | 30 |
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.
