Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Johns Hopkins vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and computer science leading in earnings while health sciences and social sciences show diverse career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or selectivity.
Analyzing 23 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface Johns Hopkins programs that excel across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
recent graduates
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 Johns Hopkins University.
Engineering programs at Johns Hopkins deliver exceptional career outcomes with multiple nationally top-ranked specialties. Artificial Intelligence leads with $140,666 median earnings and ranks #10 nationally, while Bioengineering ranks #2 nationally with $101,300 earnings.
Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $99,498 with top-10 national ranking. These programs combine Johns Hopkins' research reputation with strong industry demand, creating excellent return on investment for graduates seeking technical careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $196,467★ |
These rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using federal College Scorecard data, not institutional reputation or academic prestige. Programs at the same university show different earnings because graduates enter different career paths and industries with varying compensation levels. Engineering and computer science programs typically show higher earnings due to strong industry demand, while programs serving as preparation for graduate study may show lower initial earnings despite strong long-term career prospects. Rankings are based on cohorts of at least 10 graduates to ensure statistical reliability, and earnings represent outcomes ten years after enrollment when career patterns have stabilized. Debt figures reflect typical borrowing levels for program graduates, while value scores combine earnings and debt to assess overall return on investment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 151 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | — | $114,673 | $56,549 | 100 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $110,210 | — | 51 |
| Chemical Engineering. | — | $94,671 | $48,000 | 73 |
| Computer Engineering.Small sample | — | $84,653 | — | 14 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering.Small sample | — | $79,653 | — | 15 |
Health programs at Johns Hopkins rank among the nation's strongest, led by Behavioral Aspects of Health at #1 nationally with $77,335 earnings and perfect value scores. This program combines Johns Hopkins' medical reputation with strong career outcomes, creating excellent opportunities for students interested in health policy, public health, and behavioral medicine.
The program's top ranking and substantial enrollment make it a flagship offering.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health. | — | $79,113 | $53,535 | 143 |
Mathematics and biological sciences programs show diverse outcome patterns reflecting different career pathways. Algebra and Number Theory delivers $117,066 earnings with #7 national ranking, demonstrating strong quantitative career prospects.
Biological sciences programs like Neuroanatomy and Anatomy serve pre-professional tracks with lower initial earnings but prepare students for graduate study. These programs suit students prioritizing research preparation over immediate earnings maximization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | — | $134,785★ | — | 135 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | — | $56,543 | $54,209 | 172 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | — | $56,324 | $51,552 | 128 |
| Applied Mathematics. | — | $44,971 | — | 21 |
| Biology, General. | — | $30,409 | — | 30 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | — | $14,627 | — | 42 |
Social sciences programs demonstrate Johns Hopkins' strength beyond STEM fields, with multiple top-ranked programs delivering strong earnings. Applied Economics ranks #22 nationally with $108,040 earnings, while International Relations ranks #13 nationally with $72,053 earnings.
American Government and Politics achieves #9 national ranking with $84,924 earnings. These programs leverage Johns Hopkins' proximity to Washington DC and policy networks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $128,882★ | — | 132 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $121,729 | — | 44 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | — | $99,205 | — | 78 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | — | $49,035 | — | 100 |
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. leads communications with 63K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $62,858 | — | 16 |
Creative Writing ranks #7 nationally with $54,995 median earnings, demonstrating Johns Hopkins' strength in literary programs. The program's top-10 ranking reflects faculty quality and alumni success in publishing and media careers.
While earnings are modest compared to technical fields, the national recognition provides valuable credential value for students pursuing writing and communications careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | — | $63,503★ | — | 29 |
| Music. | — | $29,849 | $73,930 | 84 |
Behavioral Sciences. leads other & interdisciplinary with 31K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Sciences.Small sample | — | $30,771★ | — | 19 |
| Cognitive Science. | — | $25,194 | — | 33 |
| Human Biology. | — | $19,916 | — | 28 |
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.
