Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Middlebury 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 15 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#3 nationally
$126K median earnings
Applied Economics generates the highest earnings at $125,751, representing exceptional outcomes for social science graduates. International Relations follows at $84,567, demonstrating strong career prospects in policy and international affairs. American Government and Politics produces $67,080, while Computer Science graduates earn $58,673. These top-earning programs reflect career paths in finance, consulting, government, and technology sectors.
Several Middlebury programs achieve top national rankings within their respective fields. Applied Economics leads at #3 nationally, demonstrating exceptional performance in economics education. International Relations ranks #6 nationally, reflecting the program's strength and Middlebury's reputation in international studies. English Language and Literature ranks #3 nationally, highlighting the institution's humanities excellence. These rankings indicate specific areas where Middlebury delivers outcomes that place it among the nation's leading institutions.
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 Middlebury College.
Computer Science represents Middlebury's sole technology offering, graduating 65 students annually with median earnings of $58,673. While ranked #158 nationally, this program maintains strong enrollment and serves students seeking technical skills within a liberal arts environment.
The earnings outcomes, though more moderate than other Middlebury programs, reflect the institution's emphasis on broad intellectual development rather than specialized technical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #163 | $58,673 | — | 65 |
Program outcomes reflect post-graduation labor market results based on federal College Scorecard data, not academic reputation or institutional rankings. Earnings data represents median salaries of graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education 10 years after initial enrollment. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting, meaning smaller or newer programs may not appear in rankings. These outcomes help students understand career prospects by field of study, though individual results vary based on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions. Rankings compare programs within specific majors across all institutions nationally, providing context for relative performance. Students should consider these outcomes alongside their academic interests, career goals, and personal values when selecting programs of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Applied Economics achieves the highest value score of 99.0, combining strong earnings with manageable educational investment. International Relations scores 92.8, while American Government and Politics reaches 84.0. These programs deliver strong returns on educational investment by generating earnings that justify the costs involved in obtaining the degree, considering both direct educational expenses and opportunity costs.
Life sciences programs at Middlebury show varied outcomes reflecting different career pathways. Neuroanatomy graduates earn $46,749 with 36 students, while Biochemistry and Molecular Biology produces similar earnings of $44,142.
Biology, General shows more modest outcomes at $34,891, ranking #341 nationally. These programs typically prepare students for graduate study and health professions rather than immediate high-earning careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroanatomy. | #46 | $46,749★ | — | 36 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #55 | $44,142 | — | 36 |
| Biology, General. | #347 | $34,891 | — | 29 |
This group stands out at Middlebury with exceptional national rankings and strong earnings outcomes. Applied Economics ranks #3 nationally with graduates earning $125,751, while International Relations ranks #6 nationally at $84,567.
American Government and Politics also performs strongly at #48 nationally with $67,080 earnings. These programs represent Middlebury's signature strengths and attract large student cohorts, reflecting the institution's reputation in policy-oriented fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #3 | $125,751★ | — | 129 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #7 | $84,567 | — | 31 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #42 | $67,080 | — | 52 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #78 | $52,425 | — | 30 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #74 | $33,446 | — | 18 |
Humanities programs at Middlebury demonstrate the institution's liberal arts heritage with varied outcomes. English Language and Literature ranks #3 nationally despite moderate earnings of $42,018 with 27 graduates.
American History produces $40,195 in median earnings with 31 students. These programs emphasize intellectual development and critical thinking skills that support diverse career paths beyond immediate post-graduation earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. | #4 | $42,018★ | — | 27 |
| American History (United States). | #172 | $40,195 | — | 31 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #119 | $38,289 | — | 28 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #226 | $29,639 | — | 15 |
Environmental Science ranks #73 nationally with 49 graduates earning median salaries of $42,188. This program reflects Middlebury's commitment to environmental studies and sustainability, though earnings outcomes are more moderate given the field's emphasis on public service and mission-driven career paths.
The program serves students prioritizing environmental impact over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #77 | $42,188 | — | 49 |
African Studies represents Middlebury's interdisciplinary offerings, graduating 23 students with median earnings of $40,843. While earnings are modest at $40,843, this program reflects the institution's commitment to diverse academic perspectives and global understanding.
These specialized programs serve students pursuing academic careers, graduate study, or mission-driven professional paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #49 | $40,843 | — | 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.
