Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Marshall University vary significantly by field of study, with health professions and engineering leading earnings outcomes 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 prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align with your career goals.
Analyzing 31 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Marshall University.
#15 nationally
$22K 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 rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Marshall University.
Engineering programs show strong earnings potential with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $61,020, though the program ranks #219 nationally with a modest value score of 2.2. The smaller cohort size of 28 graduates reflects limited enrollment but solid outcomes for those who complete the program.
These programs are best for students seeking technical careers with strong earning potential despite the competitive national landscape.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Engineering. | #15 | $73,482★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Graduate earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for students who borrowed federal loans, while national rankings compare outcomes among similar programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in federal reporting, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. Programs with fewer than 25 graduates may show more variable results year-to-year. Rankings emphasize career outcomes rather than academic quality, helping students evaluate programs based on post-graduation employment and earning potential. State rankings compare performance within West Virginia's higher education landscape.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 23 |
| Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician. | #5 | $67,923 | — | 25 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering.Small sample | #201 | $67,548 | — | 18 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #176 | $63,005 | — | 23 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #225 | $61,020 | — | 28 |
| Computer Support Specialist. | #30 | $33,993 | — | 21 |
Business programs at Marshall University show mixed outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading at $50,289 in median earnings but ranking #177 nationally. Business Administration and Management graduates earn $44,768 with 101 graduates annually, while Digital Marketing produces 59 graduates earning $43,950.
Value scores range from 6.2 to 22.5, indicating moderate return on investment. This group suits students seeking broad career flexibility with reasonable earnings expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #180 | $50,289★ | — | 58 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #263 | $46,912 | — | 43 |
| Business/Managerial Economics.Small sample | #58 | $45,383 | — | 14 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #273 | $44,768 | $19,272 | 101 |
| Digital Marketing. | #172 | $43,950 | $18,053 | 59 |
Health programs at Marshall University deliver the strongest earnings outcomes, with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earning $62,166 and Allied Health professions earning $56,885. These programs rank among the top nationally, with nursing placing #258 and allied health #37 nationally despite moderate value scores.
Health programs serve substantial student populations with nursing graduating 102 students annually. This group is well-suited for students prioritizing strong earning potential and career stability in healthcare fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #265 | $62,166★ | — | 102 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #45 | $60,610 | — | 14 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #45 | $56,885 | — | 39 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.Small sample | #108 | $49,665 | — | 18 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other. | #8 | $38,568 | $16,942 | 109 |
Biology graduates at Marshall University earn $38,607, ranking #279 nationally with a value score of 24.5 and graduating 94 students annually. The program ranks #1 in West Virginia despite modest national performance, reflecting regional strength.
These programs are suitable for students planning graduate or professional school continuation, as evidenced by the 22.9% overall graduate school continuation rate, or those seeking foundation preparation in scientific fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #281 | $38,607★ | — | 94 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #190 | $27,439 | — | 31 |
Psychology graduates earn $36,901 with 88 graduates annually, ranking #230 nationally but #1 in West Virginia. Forensic Social Work graduates earn $40,200 with 43 graduates, ranking #136 nationally.
These programs deliver modest earnings but provide pathways to graduate education and public service careers. This group is best suited for students prioritizing social impact over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #135 | $40,200★ | — | 43 |
| Psychology, General. | #234 | $36,901 | $16,206 | 88 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #306 | $31,743 | — | 28 |
Broadcast Journalism graduates earn $41,792 with 37 graduates annually, ranking #75 nationally and #2 in West Virginia. The program shows a value score of 31.5, indicating reasonable return on investment for communications careers.
This program is well-suited for students seeking media careers with regional employment focus and moderate earning expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #79 | $41,792 | — | 37 |
English Language and Literature graduates earn $40,913 with 58 graduates annually, ranking #126 nationally and #1 in West Virginia with a value score of 56.9. These programs provide strong liberal arts foundation with moderate earnings outcomes.
This group suits students seeking broad intellectual preparation, communication skills development, or foundation for graduate study in humanities fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | #130 | $40,913★ | — | 58 |
| General Studies. | #85 | $36,014 | $8,805 | 195 |
| American History (United States).Small sample | #292 | $32,556 | — | 14 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #168 | $31,451 | — | 36 |
| Applied Linguistics.Small sample | #99 | $21,508 | — | 17 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching leads Marshall's education programs with graduates earning $40,056, ranking #89 nationally but #1 in West Virginia. The program graduates 125 students annually with a strong value score of 59.6, indicating solid return on investment.
Education programs are well-suited for students seeking careers in teaching and educational leadership with stable earning potential and strong regional employment prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #95 | $40,056 | $13,340 | 125 |
Corrections Administration graduates earn $38,737 with 55 graduates annually, ranking #163 nationally but #1 in West Virginia. The program shows a modest value score of 15.2, reflecting the public service orientation of criminal justice careers.
This program serves students seeking law enforcement and corrections careers with stable employment prospects and moderate earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #166 | $38,737 | $16,206 | 55 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology stands out with graduates earning $55,966 and ranking #22 nationally with an exceptional value score of 90.0. The program graduates 63 students annually and ranks #1 in West Virginia, demonstrating strong regional and national performance.
General Studies serves 195 graduates annually earning $36,014, ranking #88 nationally. This group serves diverse student needs from highly specialized kinesiology to broad liberal education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #21 | $55,966★ | — | 63 |
| Systems Science and Theory.Small sample | #4 | $21,508 | — | 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.
