Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Indiana University-Bloomington vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $31,129 in Behavioral Neuroscience to $91,304 in Computer Science. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in post-graduation labor market outcomes.
Analyzing 49 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Indiana University-Bloomington.
#106 nationally
$60K 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, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Indiana University-Bloomington.
Technology programs deliver strong but varied outcomes at Indiana University-Bloomington. Computer Science produces the highest earnings at $91,304 though ranks #105 nationally, while Artificial Intelligence graduates 497 students with $79,394 earnings at #91 nationally.
These programs offer solid technical preparation with good long-term prospects, though may not match the elite performance of specialized engineering schools. Students prioritizing comprehensive university experience alongside technical training find these programs appropriate for their academic and career objectives.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #106 | $91,304 |
Program rankings reflect graduate employment outcomes in the labor market rather than academic reputation or faculty quality. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 2-4 years after completion, with cohort sizes indicating the number of graduates included in earnings calculations. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific CIP code classification, meaning each major competes only against identical programs at other institutions. Outcomes vary significantly across programs at the same institution due to different industry demand, required skills, and career trajectory patterns. Higher earnings do not necessarily indicate program superiority, as many graduates pursue paths in public service, graduate education, or creative fields where monetary compensation represents only one measure of professional success. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and long-term professional aspirations when evaluating program fit and institutional choice.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 142 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #91 | $79,394 | $37,068 | 497 |
This group dominates Indiana University-Bloomington's strongest outcomes, with Business/Commerce ranking #2 nationally and graduating over 2,000 students annually with median earnings of $89,404. Applied Economics provides another strong option at #89 nationally with $74,866 earnings.
These programs represent the university's flagship professional preparation, combining large enrollment capacity with exceptional career outcomes. Students seeking strong return on investment and proven employment pathways find these programs well-suited to their goals.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | #3 | $89,404 | $47,742 | 2,002 |
Health programs demonstrate exceptional performance led by Behavioral Aspects of Health, which ranks #10 nationally with 210 graduates earning $60,955 and achieving a 91.7 value score. This program represents one of the university's strongest outcomes relative to both national competition and return on investment.
Students seeking health-related careers with strong earnings potential and proven program quality find this field well-positioned for post-graduation success and professional advancement opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #11 | $60,955★ | $25,295 | 210 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #64 | $54,543 | — | 16 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #74 | $49,740 | $29,771 | 75 |
Science programs show diverse outcomes from strong-performing specialties to more modest earnings paths. Neuroanatomy leads at $60,526 earnings, while Biology, General produces $56,288 with solid enrollment of 268 graduates.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other ranks #1 nationally with strong value scores. These programs serve students pursuing research, healthcare preparation, or graduate school continuation, with outcomes reflecting the varied career paths typical of scientific disciplines rather than direct workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #61 | $74,190★ | — | 83 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #15 | $60,526 | — | 108 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | #2 | $59,119 | $19,144 | 130 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #57 | $59,000 | — | 42 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #39 | $57,531 | — | 38 |
| Biology, General. | #48 | $56,288 | $23,456 | 268 |
| Acoustics. | #73 | $42,682 | — | 20 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #21 | $27,096 | — | 21 |
This group spans from exceptional to challenging outcomes. Public Administration, Other ranks #2 nationally with 593 graduates earning $62,367, representing outstanding performance in public service preparation.
However, Behavioral Neuroscience produces much lower earnings at $31,129 despite reasonable enrollment. Psychology programs face high repayment burden with negative amortization risks.
Students should carefully evaluate specific program outcomes rather than assuming uniform performance across social sciences disciplines.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #91 | $74,866★ | — | 133 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #2 | $62,367 | $35,066 | 593 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #126 | $56,470 | — | 92 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #41 | $53,878 | $35,365 | 100 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #129 | $46,266 | — | 40 |
| Anthropology, General. | #79 | $37,623 | — | 22 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #43 | $31,129 | $25,615 | 293 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | — | $28,019 | — | 7 |
Communications programs deliver solid professional outcomes with both general and specialized tracks performing well. Communication and Media Studies ranks #47 nationally with 472 graduates earning $54,539, while Broadcast Journalism achieves #13 national ranking with 142 graduates earning $54,955.
These programs provide practical professional preparation with reasonable earnings outcomes, though debt levels vary significantly. Students seeking media and communication careers find established pathways with proven employment connections and industry networking opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #12 | $54,955★ | $43,292 | 142 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #48 | $54,539 | $56,076 | 472 |
Arts programs balance creative development with practical career preparation. General Studies provides flexible preparation with 238 graduates earning $43,297, ranking #85 nationally.
Brass Instruments produces $35,918 earnings but ranks #20 nationally, indicating specialized excellence despite modest earnings. These programs serve students prioritizing creative expression and liberal arts education, with outcomes reflecting diverse career applications rather than focused professional preparation typical of business or technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #64 | $50,828★ | — | 61 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #40 | $48,375 | — | 82 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General. | #2 | $47,906 | — | 55 |
| Commercial Photography. | #57 | $46,308 | — | 79 |
| General Studies. | #91 | $43,297 | $25,015 | 238 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #76 | $40,882 | — | 50 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #167 | $40,799 | — | 84 |
| Brass Instruments. | #25 | $35,918 | $49,162 | 140 |
| Applied Linguistics.Small sample | #71 | $35,214 | — | 19 |
| Buddhist Studies.Small sample | #12 | $31,127 | — | 12 |
| Danish Language and Literature.Small sample | #5 | $29,685 | — | 14 |
| Acting. | #107 | $26,673 | — | 35 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #99 | $25,194 | — | 12 |
| Chinese Language and Literature. | #22 | $24,209 | — | 41 |
| Ballet. | #46 | $14,831 | — | 21 |
Education programs produce steady outcomes reflecting public service career paths. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #37 nationally with graduates earning $45,112, while Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $44,741.
These programs serve students committed to educational careers with predictable earnings trajectories and strong job security. Students prioritizing service-oriented careers over maximum earnings find these programs aligned with professional goals and personal values in educational leadership roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #22 | $51,531★ | — | 35 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #43 | $45,112 | $20,597 | 147 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #71 | $44,741 | $24,134 | 166 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 38K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #116 | $38,337 | — | 56 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #41 | $51,792 | $22,618 | 117 |
Interdisciplinary programs show mixed performance across recreational and applied fields. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #35 nationally with 347 graduates earning $53,142, demonstrating strong professional preparation.
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies produces more modest earnings at $43,499 but maintains solid enrollment. These programs serve students seeking specialized professional niches with outcomes varying significantly by specific field focus and career application opportunities within recreational and wellness industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture. | #2 | $60,013★ | $46,023 | 88 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #36 | $53,142 | $34,154 | 347 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #21 | $43,499 | $47,565 | 181 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #40 | $41,084 | — | 21 |
| Cognitive Science, General.Small sample | #19 | $33,993 | — | 17 |
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.
