Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Marquette University vary significantly by field of study, with business and engineering programs generally delivering the highest earnings while liberal arts programs offer different value propositions. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than institutional reputation or academic prestige.
Analyzing 41 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in earnings, national rankings, or enrollment scale at Marquette University.
#4 nationally
$89K 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 median earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Marquette University.
Engineering and technology programs show strong earning potential ranging from $78,000-$83,000, though with varying value propositions. Artificial Intelligence produces $83,528 median earnings but ranks lower nationally (#128), while traditional engineering disciplines like Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering deliver solid outcomes with stronger debt management.
These technical programs position graduates for STEM career pathways with earnings that exceed institutional averages and support long-term financial stability.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #116 |
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation, explaining why earnings vary significantly even within the same institution. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 4-6 years after completion, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess overall return on investment. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific major categories, while state rankings provide regional context. These metrics help students understand post-graduation financial outcomes but should be combined with personal interests, career goals, and graduate school plans when making academic decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $87,293★ |
| — |
| 16 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #125 | $83,528 | $49,718 | 114 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #77 | $80,636 | — | 29 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #190 | $80,469 | — | 24 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #49 | $79,984 | $31,939 | 80 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #200 | $78,328 | $44,398 | 92 |
| Construction Engineering.Small sample | — | $73,949 | — | 6 |
Business programs at Marquette deliver consistently strong earnings outcomes with graduates typically earning $73,000-$85,000 annually. Banking and Financial Support Services leads with $85,623 median earnings and ranks #38 nationally, while Digital Marketing achieves $73,964 with #36 national ranking.
These programs demonstrate strong value scores and competitive positioning both nationally and within Wisconsin. Students pursuing business pathways can expect above-average debt-to-earnings ratios and career outcomes that support loan repayment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate. | #4 | $88,908★ | — | 24 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #38 | $85,623 | $33,910 | 141 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #51 | $80,539 | — | 69 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #26 | $75,524 | — | 27 |
| Digital Marketing. | #36 | $73,964 | $61,836 | 111 |
| International Business. | #22 | $73,820 | — | 21 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #96 | $73,164 | — | 63 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.Small sample | #15 | $63,005 | — | 13 |
| Executive/Career Coaching.Small sample | #38 | $58,898 | — | 18 |
| Business/Corporate Communications, General. | #6 | $39,816 | — | 28 |
Health programs center on nursing education, with Adult Health Nursing graduating the largest cohort (145 students) and achieving $74,296 median earnings. While national rankings (#199) suggest competitive positioning challenges, state rankings (#5 in Wisconsin) indicate regional strength.
These programs serve students seeking healthcare careers with earnings above national averages and clear professional pathways, though debt levels require careful consideration relative to early-career income potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #200 | $74,296★ | $44,500 | 145 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #37 | $65,637 | — | 11 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #43 | $58,503 | — | 32 |
Biological sciences represent Marquette's strongest academic performance, with Biology ranking #12 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin. Despite moderate median earnings of $66,072, Biology achieves an exceptional value score of 97.0 and graduates the largest single program cohort (200 students).
Aerospace Physiology and Medicine offers specialized training with unique positioning (#13 nationally) though with lower earnings. These programs suit students prioritizing graduate school preparation and research-intensive career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #95 | $66,922★ | — | 25 |
| Biology, General. | #12 | $66,072 | $51,594 | 200 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #13 | $54,837 | $63,262 | 80 |
Social science programs demonstrate varied outcomes, with Applied Economics achieving $68,340 earnings and American Government and Politics earning $58,230. Psychology graduates earn $50,539, reflecting typical liberal arts earnings patterns.
Criminology ranks #35 nationally despite moderate earnings of $48,522. These programs serve students interested in public service, graduate school preparation, and careers where earnings may develop over longer time horizons than immediate post-graduation metrics capture.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #133 | $68,340★ | $47,910 | 33 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #114 | $58,230 | $45,014 | 81 |
| Psychology, General. | #139 | $50,539 | $52,921 | 105 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #55 | $49,043 | — | 27 |
| Criminology. | #37 | $48,522 | $54,690 | 75 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #160 | $46,167 | — | 28 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #65 | $43,290 | — | 23 |
Advertising stands out as Marquette's premier communications program, ranking #17 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin with $56,772 median earnings. The program graduates 119 students annually and achieves a strong value score of 78.1, indicating effective outcomes relative to costs.
This program suits students seeking creative industry careers where portfolio development and networking may drive long-term success beyond initial earnings metrics.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #18 | $56,772★ | $51,864 | 119 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #39 | $51,254 | — | 30 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #126 | $49,182 | — | 32 |
Catalan Language and Literature. leads humanities & arts with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #55 | $50,344★ | — | 42 |
| American History (United States). | #117 | $50,050 | — | 34 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #119 | $49,689 | — | 11 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #32 | $48,910 | — | 16 |
| Creative Writing. | #27 | $47,067 | — | 22 |
| Acting.Small sample | — | $20,824 | — | 8 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces graduates earning $46,059, reflecting typical education sector compensation patterns. With 49 graduates annually, this smaller program ranks #86 nationally and #2 in Wisconsin, showing solid regional positioning.
Education programs serve students committed to teaching and educational leadership roles where public service mission may complement financial outcomes over career trajectories.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #90 | $46,059★ | — | 49 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | #112 | $45,974 | — | 15 |
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.
