Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Kenyon College 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 9 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#90 nationally
$42K median earnings
Applied Economics leads Kenyon's programs with median earnings of $75,347, significantly outpacing other offerings. The earnings variation across programs reflects different career trajectories and industry demand rather than program quality. Understanding these earnings patterns helps students make informed decisions about major selection based on their financial goals and career aspirations.
Kenyon's program rankings demonstrate particular strength in English and writing disciplines. The following program performance data provides lens for understanding how specific majors perform in post-graduation outcomes. Rankings reflect national comparisons within major categories, highlighting programs where Kenyon graduates achieve strong results relative to peers at other institutions. This analysis focuses on concrete outcomes rather than academic reputation or institutional prestige.
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 Kenyon College.
Biology, General. leads sciences & mathematics with 28K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General.Small sample | #378 | $28,055 | — | 16 |
Program rankings reflect labor-market outcomes rather than academic reputation or prestige. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates' income ten years after initial enrollment. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes based on career trajectories, industry demand, and graduate school continuation rates. Kenyon's data includes six programs with sufficient graduate cohorts for reliable earnings analysis, representing the institution's core liberal arts offerings. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific major categories, while value scores account for both earnings and debt levels. Students should consider these outcomes alongside their academic interests and long-term career goals when selecting programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with debt levels to assess overall return on educational investment. English Language and Literature achieves the highest value score of 95.9 despite moderate earnings, reflecting excellent outcomes relative to typical debt loads. These value calculations help identify programs that deliver strong returns even when absolute earnings may be moderate.
Applied Economics graduates face Excellent loan affordability with payments under 8% of discretionary income and standard payoff timelines. Social Sciences and Psychology programs show Manageable affordability with 12-18% payment burdens. However, Art History and Foreign Languages face High burden situations with payments exceeding 25% of discretionary income and potential negative amortization risks, requiring careful financial planning.
These programs span a wide earnings range, from Applied Economics delivering $75,347—the highest at Kenyon—to American Government and Politics at $43,685. Applied Economics ranks #90 nationally with strong value scores, while American Government ranks #186 nationally but #3 in Ohio.
Psychology graduates earn $42,073 with moderate national rankings. This group best suits students who prioritize intellectual engagement over immediate earnings potential, though Applied Economics offers a higher-earning pathway.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #90 | $75,347★ | — | 38 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #179 | $43,685 | — | 57 |
| Psychology, General. | #207 | $42,073 | — | 39 |
English Literature stands out as Kenyon's flagship program, ranking #13 nationally and #1 in Ohio with exceptional value scores despite moderate earnings of $42,331. Art History ranks #203 nationally with earnings of $25,967, while Catalan Language and Literature earns $26,739.
English represents Kenyon's strongest national reputation and largest program enrollment. These programs prioritize long-term intellectual and cultural preparation over immediate financial returns, making them well-suited for students seeking graduate school or careers where liberal arts preparation provides foundation for advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #12 | $42,331★ | — | 82 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | — | $35,060 | — | 8 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #157 | $26,739 | — | 24 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #227 | $25,967 | — | 28 |
International/Globalization Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 30K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies.Small sample | #55 | $29,685 | — | 12 |
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.
