Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at North Carolina A & T State University 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 37 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#43 nationally
$66K 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, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at North Carolina A & T State University.
Engineering programs stand out as the university's highest-earning pathways, with Industrial Engineering ranking #41 nationally and delivering $81,839 median earnings. Mechanical Engineering follows with $80,018 earnings and strong enrollment of 67 graduates annually.
These programs demonstrate the institution's technical strengths and industry connections. Students in this cluster should expect excellent career outcomes but higher debt levels, making these paths ideal for those prioritizing earning potential over cost considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering. | #43 | $81,839 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on Department of Education College Scorecard data. Rankings consider median earnings, debt levels, and value scores that measure return on investment rather than institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings data represent graduates 10 years after enrollment and include only programs with sufficient cohort sizes for reliable measurement. Different outcomes across programs at the same institution reflect varying market demand, career preparation effectiveness, and typical career trajectories in different fields. Students should consider these outcome differences alongside their personal interests, career goals, and graduate school intentions when selecting academic programs. All data reflects federal reporting standards and represents typical outcomes rather than guaranteed individual results.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $28,399 |
| 37 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #108 | $80,685 | — | 23 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #189 | $80,018 | $34,269 | 67 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #107 | $75,831 | — | 36 |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | — | $73,718 | — | 9 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other.Small sample | #126 | $73,527 | — | 19 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #21 | $73,273 | — | 10 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #153 | $69,788 | — | 28 |
| Computer Science. | #177 | $68,666 | $27,394 | 37 |
| Architectural Engineering.Small sample | #13 | $66,034 | — | 18 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.Small sample | #97 | $52,948 | — | 18 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #29 | $46,977 | $22,984 | 39 |
Business programs show solid earnings performance with varied enrollment sizes across specializations. Business Administration serves as a flagship program with 113 graduates earning $53,238, while specialized areas like Digital Marketing and Accounting Technology deliver higher earnings with smaller cohorts.
Value scores vary significantly within this group, from 21-28 points, reflecting different market demand and program efficiency. This group suits students seeking practical career preparation with manageable debt levels and diverse industry options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #192 | $63,083★ | $39,712 | 37 |
| Digital Marketing. | #174 | $57,147 | $29,805 | 41 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #261 | $53,238 | $24,415 | 113 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing represents the university's primary health pathway, graduating 58 students with median earnings of $62,160. The program ranks #265 nationally but maintains steady enrollment, reflecting regional healthcare workforce needs.
Students should expect strong job security and earnings growth potential, though the value score of 3.6 suggests higher debt relative to immediate earning outcomes. This path works well for students committed to healthcare service and willing to invest in professional preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #274 | $62,160★ | — | 58 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health.Small sample | — | $58,660 | — | 7 |
Biology, General serves as the primary science pathway, graduating 66 students with earnings of $41,378. The program shows moderate value scores and ranking performance, reflecting typical outcomes for students often pursuing graduate education in medical or research fields.
Students should recognize that immediate earnings may not reflect long-term career potential, particularly for those continuing to professional or graduate study. This group suits students planning advanced education pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #306 | $41,378 | $26,231 | 66 |
Psychology, General and Forensic Social Work represent the primary pathways in this cluster. Psychology graduates 98 students with earnings of $33,439, while Forensic Social Work offers specialized preparation for 56 students earning $38,014.
Both programs show moderate value scores and prepare students for human services careers. Students should expect meaningful work with social impact, though earning potential may be lower than technical fields.
Graduate school continuation is common in this cluster.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #192 | $51,790★ | — | 27 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #249 | $42,310 | $20,454 | 30 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #125 | $38,014 | $15,625 | 56 |
| Psychology, General. | #331 | $33,439 | $11,634 | 98 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #280 | $30,384 | — | 22 |
Communication and Media Studies serves as one of the university's larger programs, graduating 164 students with median earnings of $40,087. The program ranks #96 nationally with a strong value score of 62.7, indicating good return on investment.
Students can expect diverse career pathways in media, public relations, and corporate communication. This group suits students seeking creative and interpersonal career paths with reasonable earning expectations and moderate debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #97 | $40,087 | $20,101 | 164 |
Commercial Photography. leads humanities & arts with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #70 | $41,790★ | — | 30 |
| General Studies. | #87 | $37,786 | $10,119 | 178 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #204 | $32,619 | — | 15 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #322 | $21,964 | — | 25 |
| Acting. | #141 | $20,996 | — | 23 |
Agricultural Teacher Education demonstrates exceptional performance, ranking #38 nationally and #1 in North Carolina with graduates earning $44,714. The program's high value score of 73.4 reflects excellent return on investment for teacher preparation.
With 52 graduates, it represents focused preparation for agricultural education careers. This path offers strong job security and community impact for students committed to educational service, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #41 | $44,714★ | — | 52 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching.Small sample | #182 | $42,458 | — | 14 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding ranks #43 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, graduating 83 students with earnings of $34,067. The program demonstrates regional strength and specialized preparation for agricultural careers.
Students can expect hands-on learning and direct industry connections, though earnings reflect agricultural sector compensation patterns. This path suits students interested in food production, animal science, and rural economic development with strong ties to North Carolina's agricultural heritage.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #45 | $34,067★ | $17,578 | 83 |
| Agriculture, General. | #35 | $29,685 | $37,111 | 26 |
Corrections Administration serves 106 students with median earnings of $37,857. The program ranks #171 nationally but shows solid enrollment, reflecting demand for justice system professionals.
Students should expect stable career paths in law enforcement and corrections, though value scores of 11.0 suggest moderate return on investment. This path suits students committed to public safety service and criminal justice reform, with opportunities for career advancement through experience and additional training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #177 | $37,857 | $15,991 | 106 |
General Studies and Exercise Science represent the largest programs in this category. General Studies graduates 178 students with strong earnings of $37,786 and excellent value scores of 50.8, ranking #90 nationally.
Exercise Science serves 142 students with earnings of $37,021. These programs offer flexibility and broad preparation for diverse career paths.
Students seeking exploratory education or preparation for graduate study will find these programs provide strong foundational skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Development and Aging. | #42 | $39,672★ | $10,000 | 31 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #156 | $37,021 | $17,862 | 142 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | #23 | $32,313 | — | 31 |
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.