Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Grinnell vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science substantially outperforming traditional liberal arts disciplines. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation.
Use this page to understand how different majors translate into career outcomes at this selective liberal arts institution.
Analyzing 14 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national ranking, and institutional significance.
#92 nationally
$50K 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 Grinnell College.
Computer Science stands as Grinnell's highest-earning program at $106,113, ranking #96 nationally and graduating 62 students annually. This program significantly outperforms all other offerings at the institution and demonstrates exceptional value in the liberal arts context.
Students pursuing this path typically benefit from strong technical career prospects that distinguish Grinnell from purely humanities-focused competitors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #92 | $106,113 | — | 62 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic prestige or instructional quality. Earnings data comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment with minimum cohort sizes of 10 students. Rankings compare institutions nationwide offering the same program, while value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Significant variation exists between programs at the same institution due to different career trajectories, graduate school rates, and industry demand. Liberal arts colleges like Grinnell often show lower earnings in traditional humanities fields, reflecting career paths in education, nonprofit work, and public service that emphasize social impact over financial returns. Students should consider both immediate earnings potential and longer-term career satisfaction when evaluating program outcomes, as many graduates pursue advanced degrees or careers where starting salaries understate long-term professional growth.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Science and mathematics programs show varied outcomes, with Biochemistry and Molecular Biology leading at $56,764 (ranking #13 nationally) while Mathematics produces more modest earnings at $39,369. Biology graduates earn $48,846, typical for the field.
These programs best serve students planning graduate study or research careers rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #14 | $56,764★ | — | 38 |
| Biology, General. | #203 | $48,846 | — | 41 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #182 | $39,369 | — | 34 |
Social science programs span from American Government ($51,522) to Applied Sociology ($50,389), with most clustering around $50,000 in median earnings. Psychology fields like Behavioral Neuroscience show lower earnings at $28,507 but strong graduate school preparation.
These programs best suit students prioritizing social impact or advanced study over immediate financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #136 | $67,691★ | — | 47 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #147 | $51,522 | — | 49 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #83 | $50,389 | — | 23 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #48 | $28,507 | — | 24 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #162 | $21,052 | — | 10 |
Humanities programs demonstrate strong national rankings despite modest earnings, with English Literature ranking #38 nationally while producing $49,405 median earnings. Foreign language studies through Catalan Literature generate $47,618 with exceptional value scores.
These fields excel in preparation for graduate study, writing careers, and public service rather than immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States).Small sample | #80 | $50,567★ | — | 17 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #40 | $49,405 | — | 29 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #32 | $47,618 | — | 21 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #261 | $20,140 | — | 12 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 50K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #8 | $50,359 | — | 14 |
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.
