Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Emory 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 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#27 nationally
$78K 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, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Emory University.
Computer Science stands out as Emory's strongest technical program, ranking #28 nationally and delivering exceptional $133,212 median earnings with 69 graduates. This program demonstrates the university's growing strength in technology fields, offering students access to Atlanta's expanding tech sector.
The strong value score of 85.2 indicates excellent return on investment relative to program costs and debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #27 | $133,212 | — | 69 |
Rankings reflect labor market outcomes from Department of Education College Scorecard data, measuring median earnings and debt levels for graduates ten years after enrollment. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for reporting, ensuring statistical reliability. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess return on investment. National rankings compare programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions, while state rankings focus on Georgia programs only. Earnings represent typical outcomes rather than guaranteed results, and individual experiences may vary based on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions. Programs preparing students primarily for graduate school may show lower initial earnings that increase substantially after advanced degree completion.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business programs represent Emory's flagship offerings, with Business Administration ranking #5 nationally and producing the largest graduate cohort at 343 students earning $107,945. Applied Economics ranks #55 nationally with strong $86,679 outcomes for 128 graduates.
Both programs rank #1 in Georgia, positioning Emory as the state leader for business education with exceptional value scores above 70.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #6 | $107,945 | $53,825 | 343 |
Adult Health Nursing represents Emory's largest program overall, graduating 364 students annually with median earnings of $78,274. While ranking #159 nationally, the program serves significant workforce needs and provides stable career outcomes for the greatest number of graduates.
Debt levels reach $63,392, requiring careful financial planning but supported by steady healthcare employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #161 | $78,274 | $63,392 | 364 |
Science programs demonstrate mixed outcomes, with Analytical Chemistry ranking #7 nationally and achieving exceptional value scores of 96.1 despite moderate $54,509 earnings. Biology graduates 208 students with $48,491 earnings, while Mathematical Statistics serves 78 students earning $60,714.
Programs in this group often prepare students for graduate school continuation rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #27 | $68,584★ | — | 31 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #112 | $63,028 | — | 26 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #28 | $60,714 | — | 78 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #6 | $54,509 | — | 96 |
| Biology, General. | #102 | $48,491 | $49,961 | 208 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #23 | $47,845 | $40,000 | 146 |
Social science programs show strong national rankings with varied earnings outcomes. Applied/Public Sociology ranks #27 nationally with $56,032 earnings and outstanding 89.3 value scores.
Psychology graduates 132 students earning $52,842, ranking #61 nationally. American Government and Politics serves 90 students with $56,441 earnings.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study or public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #54 | $86,679★ | — | 128 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #30 | $61,472 | — | 53 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #125 | $56,441 | — | 90 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #31 | $56,032 | — | 48 |
| Anthropology, General. | #2 | $53,024 | — | 50 |
| Psychology, General. | #61 | $52,842 | $41,457 | 132 |
Communication and Media Studies, Other. leads communications with 37K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #240 | $37,237 | — | 32 |
Limited humanities programs show specialized strength, with African Studies ranking #2 nationally despite serving only 46 graduates with strong $77,707 earnings. This program demonstrates Emory's commitment to diverse academic perspectives and achieves exceptional value scores of 97.8.
The small cohort size reflects the specialized nature of these academic paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #25 | $59,402★ | — | 33 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #42 | $51,789 | — | 38 |
| American History (United States). | #63 | $50,737 | — | 39 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #24 | $50,216 | — | 28 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | #44 | $39,369 | — | 14 |
| Brass Instruments. | #92 | $33,993 | — | 31 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #50 | $32,925 | — | 44 |
| Creative Writing. | #50 | $23,649 | — | 44 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 53K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #43 | $52,860 | — | 38 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology serves 76 students with $52,404 earnings, ranking #71 nationally and demonstrating steady outcomes in health and fitness fields. The program provides foundation for careers in physical therapy, fitness, and sports medicine, with value scores of 66.7 indicating reasonable return on investment for students pursuing these career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #2 | $77,707★ | — | 46 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.Small sample | #10 | $72,067 | — | 12 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #70 | $52,404 | — | 76 |
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.
