Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Liberty University vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and technology programs delivering the highest earnings while education and communications show more modest returns. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 70 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across national rankings, graduate earnings, and enrollment scale.
#117 nationally
$29K 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 ranking, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Liberty University.
Liberty University's technical programs deliver the strongest earnings outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning $88,983 and ranking nationally competitive. These programs demonstrate excellent career preparation despite higher debt levels, with graduates entering high-demand technology fields.
The combination of strong earnings and national recognition makes this group well-suited for students prioritizing post-graduation income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #117 | $88,983 |
These rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, which tracks median earnings of graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education 10 years after initial enrollment. Programs at the same institution can show dramatically different outcomes due to labor market demands, industry salary levels, and career pathway differences. Rankings emphasize measurable economic outcomes rather than academic prestige or program reputation. Data includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohorts to ensure statistical reliability, typically requiring 10+ graduates over multiple years. Debt levels reflect typical borrowing patterns for students in each program. Earnings and debt figures provide objective measures for comparing educational value across different fields of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $55,933 |
| 222 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician. | #9 | $85,676 | — | 20 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #109 | $84,073 | — | 43 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #185 | $83,377 | — | 28 |
| Computer Science. | #162 | $77,046 | — | 21 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #198 | $76,807 | — | 85 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | #23 | $76,295 | — | 32 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #129 | $75,282 | — | 17 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #30 | $66,087 | — | 29 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #161 | $65,384 | — | 48 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #103 | $43,798 | — | 22 |
Business programs at Liberty University show solid performance across multiple specializations, with Business Administration graduating the largest cohort of 1,595 students earning $54,361. Accounting Technology produces higher earnings at $58,047 with smaller enrollment.
These programs offer reliable career preparation with manageable debt levels, appealing to students seeking practical professional training with strong employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #29 | $74,585★ | — | 67 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | — | $72,904 | — | 6 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #187 | $58,047 | — | 205 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #162 | $57,333 | — | 77 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #146 | $54,361 | $26,199 | 1,595 |
| Digital Marketing. | #124 | $53,721 | $17,103 | 96 |
Health programs demonstrate strong earnings potential, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $70,066, though debt levels reach $50,897. The program ranks #232 nationally but #7 in Virginia, indicating regional competitiveness.
This field suits students willing to manage higher educational debt in exchange for strong healthcare career earnings and job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #246 | $70,066★ | $50,897 | 369 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #57 | $43,795 | — | 56 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #60 | $43,578 | — | 81 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #125 | $41,768 | — | 39 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #91 | $36,396 | — | 18 |
Algebra and Number Theory. leads sciences & mathematics with 46K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #201 | $45,852★ | — | 25 |
| Biology, General. | #328 | $38,401 | — | 106 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #14 | $35,130 | — | 35 |
Social science programs display mixed outcomes, with Psychology graduates earning $36,871 despite high debt levels of $35,358, resulting in lower value scores. American Government graduates perform better with $48,474 earnings.
These fields require careful debt management given moderate earnings, best suited for students planning graduate education or specific career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #164 | $62,824★ | — | 26 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #37 | $60,138 | — | 57 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #210 | $48,474 | — | 137 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | #24 | $45,620 | — | 17 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #121 | $38,828 | — | 154 |
| Psychology, General. | #292 | $36,871 | $35,358 | 1,096 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #280 | $26,585 | — | 24 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis.Small sample | #22 | $23,828 | — | 17 |
| Anthropology, General. | #154 | $23,341 | — | 22 |
Communications programs face earnings challenges, with Media Studies graduates earning $38,584 while carrying $53,505 in debt, resulting in concerning debt-to-earnings ratios. Commercial Photography shows similar patterns.
These programs require careful financial consideration given modest earnings relative to educational costs, suitable for students with clear career plans and external support.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #92 | $39,592★ | — | 27 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #259 | $38,584 | $53,505 | 143 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #63 | $34,506 | $39,848 | 64 |
Humanities programs show exceptional value performance, with Buddhist Studies ranking #2 nationally and achieving a 90.0 value score despite moderate earnings of $44,318. American History graduates earn $39,608 with strong value metrics.
These programs excel at providing affordable education with surprising career flexibility, ideal for students prioritizing intellectual development and diverse career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddhist Studies. | #4 | $44,318★ | $21,468 | 674 |
| Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies. | — | $41,716 | $49,666 | 63 |
| American History (United States). | #113 | $39,608 | — | 195 |
| General Studies. | #179 | $39,447 | $26,376 | 94 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #258 | $37,236 | — | 44 |
| Commercial Photography. | #110 | $36,375 | $38,727 | 162 |
| Religious Music and Worship, Other. | — | $35,910 | — | 49 |
| American Sign Language (ASL).Small sample | #8 | $32,117 | — | 10 |
| Brass Instruments. | #115 | $30,707 | $62,446 | 101 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #80 | $20,512 | — | 45 |
Education programs face earnings challenges typical of the field, with Adult and Continuing Education graduates earning $31,860. Despite lower financial returns, these programs serve students committed to educational service and public impact.
The field requires careful financial planning given modest earnings relative to educational investment, suited for mission-driven students.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #26 | $47,293★ | $14,259 | 79 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #55 | $38,045 | — | 116 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #200 | $31,860 | — | 518 |
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | #3 | $30,003 | — | 32 |
| Education, Other.Small sample | #9 | $28,997 | — | 15 |
| Education, General. | #19 | $25,194 | — | 21 |
Exercise Science represents this category with graduates earning $41,591, though debt levels of $36,692 impact overall value. The program ranks #157 nationally but performs better within Virginia at #3.
This field offers moderate earnings with reasonable career stability, appropriate for students interested in fitness and wellness industries with realistic earnings expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management. | #20 | $43,901★ | — | 20 |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. | #17 | $37,074 | — | 35 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding.Small sample | #63 | $28,236 | — | 16 |
| Environmental Science. | #155 | $24,615 | — | 45 |
Criminal justice programs deliver solid career preparation, with Corrections Administration graduates earning $51,272 and ranking #65 nationally. The program demonstrates good value with reasonable debt levels and strong state positioning.
This field appeals to students seeking public service careers with stable earnings and clear professional pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #64 | $51,272 | $38,000 | 606 |
Interdisciplinary programs show exceptional value, with Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranking #27 nationally and graduating 1,440 students with earnings of $46,175. These programs offer flexibility and strong outcomes for students with diverse academic interests.
The high enrollment and strong rankings indicate effective program design for students seeking broad-based education with career adaptability.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | #4 | $77,721★ | $91,928 | 230 |
| Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology. | — | $66,126 | — | 44 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #36 | $46,175 | $28,040 | 1,440 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #160 | $41,591 | $36,692 | 154 |
| Court Interpreter. | #9 | $41,192 | — | 125 |
| Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program. | #17 | $40,717 | — | 30 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #43 | $40,508 | — | 77 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture. | #23 | $35,872 | — | 47 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #54 | $30,349 | — | 24 |
| Marine Sciences. | #2 | $29,141 | — | 44 |
| Legal Studies. | #20 | $27,637 | — | 64 |
| Outdoor Education.Small sample | — | $17,960 | — | 10 |
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.
