Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at MIT vary significantly by field of study, though all programs benefit from the institution's exceptional reputation and industry connections. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or research reputation.
Use this page to compare how different technical and applied fields perform in terms of career outcomes and financial returns.
Analyzing 16 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out nationally for rankings, earnings performance, and enrollment scale.
#3 nationally
$110K median earnings
Earnings outcomes demonstrate significant variation across MIT's program portfolio, though all programs exceed national averages for their respective fields. The tables below present programs ranked by median graduate earnings, showing the substantial financial returns possible across different technical disciplines. Students should consider both absolute earnings and program ranking when evaluating academic focus and career preparation opportunities.
MIT's program strength shows clearly in national rankings, with multiple disciplines holding #1 positions. The tables below highlight programs that achieve exceptional national recognition, providing specific ranking data alongside earnings and enrollment figures. These rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes rather than research reputation, offering students practical guidance about career preparation and market demand across MIT's curriculum offerings.
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 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology.
Engineering programs at MIT consistently rank among the top nationally, with most holding #1 or #2 positions. Computer Science leads with extraordinary earnings of $199,774 and ranks #3 nationally, enrolling the largest cohort at 424 students.
Electrical Engineering ($172,897 earnings) and Mechanical Engineering ($98,644 earnings) both claim #1 national rankings in their respective fields. These programs demonstrate MIT's comprehensive strength across technical disciplines, with graduates commanding premium salaries that reflect the institution's reputation and rigorous preparation.
Students should expect intense competition for admission to these flagship programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and employment outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or research reputation. Different programs at the same institution produce varying salary outcomes due to industry demand, career trajectories, and graduate school continuation rates. MIT's exceptional institutional quality creates a high baseline for all programs, but market forces still influence relative earnings across fields. Rankings consider graduates who enter the workforce directly after completing their bachelor's degree, typically measured 10 years post-enrollment. Students should recognize that these outcomes reflect current market conditions and may evolve as industry demand shifts. The data provides valuable guidance for understanding typical career paths and financial returns, though individual outcomes will vary based on personal choices, economic conditions, and career development.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with educational investment to identify programs offering the strongest return on investment. The tables below present programs with the highest value scores, indicating exceptional performance in translating educational experience into career outcomes. These scores help students understand which programs provide optimal combinations of earnings potential and educational efficiency.
All MIT programs demonstrate excellent loan affordability due to the institution's high earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels. Engineering and computer science programs show exceptional payment capacity given their earnings potential, while mathematics and science programs maintain manageable debt service despite lower typical salaries. Students across all programs can expect debt payments representing less than 8% of discretionary income, classified as excellent affordability.
| Computer Science. | #3 | $199,774★ | $62,305 | 424 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #2 | $172,897 | — | 44 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #1 🏆 | $116,182 | — | 50 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #1 🏆 | $109,873 | — | 53 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #18 | $99,799 | — | 42 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #10 | $98,644 | $51,429 | 147 |
| Materials Engineering. | #2 | $89,925 | — | 28 |
Applied Economics at MIT produces strong earnings of $110,878 despite ranking #24 nationally, reflecting the program's focus on quantitative methods and technical applications. With 45 graduates annually, this program represents a smaller but significant pathway for students interested in economic analysis and policy.
Actuarial Science earns $99,843 with graduates entering high-demand fields in insurance and risk management. These programs appeal to students seeking to apply mathematical and analytical skills to business and economic problems.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science. | #14 | $99,843 | — | 30 |
MIT's mathematics and science programs achieve exceptional outcomes despite typically lower earning potential than engineering fields. Algebra and Number Theory leads with $180,882 earnings and holds the #1 national ranking, while Mathematics and Computer Science combines technical rigor with strong market demand for $126,153 earnings.
Pure science programs like Acoustics ($166,156) and Biology ($72,992) demonstrate MIT's ability to generate strong outcomes even in fields that traditionally pay less than engineering. These programs are well-suited for students pursuing graduate study or research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #1 🏆 | $180,882★ | — | 112 |
| Acoustics. | #1 🏆 | $166,156 | — | 83 |
| Bioinformatics.Small sample | #3 | $94,408 | — | 18 |
| Biology, General. | #9 | $72,992 | — | 35 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #38 | $48,125 | — | 23 |
Applied Economics. leads social sciences & policy with 111K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #24 | $110,878 | — | 45 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 103K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies.Small sample | #2 | $103,135 | $77,106 | 10 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 126K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | #2 | $126,153 | — | 23 |
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.
