Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at North Carolina 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 61 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#57 nationally
$63K 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 State University At Raleigh.
Engineering programs at NC State consistently deliver outcomes among the highest tracked, with Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering ranking in the top 20 nationally in their respective fields. Median earnings span from $79,841 in Mechanical Engineering to $98,925 in Computer Science, with most programs exceeding $85,000 annually.
These programs combine strong national rankings with substantial cohort sizes, indicating both quality and scale. Engineering graduates can expect excellent debt capacity with payments under 8% of discretionary income.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing high earning potential and strong return on educational investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Rankings measure post-graduation earnings, debt levels, and value scores derived from the relationship between educational costs and career outcomes. Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career trajectories vary significantly by field—engineering and computer science typically produce higher earnings than education or social services, regardless of institutional quality. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome estimates. These rankings help students understand the financial implications of program choice while recognizing that career satisfaction, personal interests, and long-term professional goals extend beyond salary considerations. Data represents graduates 4-6 years after program completion and reflects typical early-career outcomes rather than lifetime earning potential.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| Computer Science. | #57 | $98,925★ | $26,300 | 232 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #17 | $94,710 | — | 132 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #10 | $92,574 | — | 128 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #17 | $92,373 | — | 88 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #63 | $90,912 | — | 132 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #62 | $87,305 | $23,412 | 156 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #32 | $81,589 | — | 73 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #116 | $79,841 | $30,694 | 288 |
| Construction Engineering.Small sample | #7 | $76,574 | — | 13 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #43 | $76,320 | $23,927 | 121 |
| Agricultural Engineering. | #8 | $75,787 | — | 49 |
| Nuclear Engineering.Small sample | #12 | $74,540 | — | 19 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #19 | $67,251 | — | 33 |
| Applied Engineering. | #17 | $63,997 | — | 49 |
| Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician. | #2 | $62,693 | — | 23 |
| Materials Engineering. | #29 | $61,516 | — | 47 |
| Textile Sciences and Engineering. | — | $57,894 | $19,500 | 213 |
Business programs demonstrate exceptional value with Business Administration ranking #33 nationally and producing the largest graduate cohort at 665 students annually. Accounting and Business Economics deliver earnings between $69,742 and $72,110 with strong value scores above 67.
These programs offer excellent debt affordability with manageable borrowing levels relative to post-graduation income. The combination of large enrollment capacity and strong labor market outcomes makes this group attractive for students seeking versatile career preparation with solid financial prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #17 | $72,110★ | — | 102 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #68 | $70,576 | — | 155 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #31 | $69,742 | $22,405 | 665 |
Biology represents the primary science offering, ranking #41 nationally with 336 graduates earning $57,457. While earnings are moderate compared to engineering, the program maintains strong national standing and substantial enrollment.
Biology students can expect excellent debt affordability despite lower earnings levels. This group serves students pursuing advanced study in health professions, research careers, or environmental sectors where salary potential may increase with graduate education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #5 | $76,667★ | — | 64 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #17 | $75,555 | — | 59 |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | #2 | $72,274 | — | 19 |
| Biology, General. | #44 | $57,457 | $32,300 | 336 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #30 | $51,876 | — | 28 |
| Immunology. | #23 | $47,260 | — | 48 |
| Acoustics. | #59 | $43,740 | — | 41 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #171 | $33,993 | — | 40 |
| Botany/Plant Biology, Other. | #2 | $33,009 | — | 40 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #16 | $29,778 | — | 58 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #238 | $28,598 | — | 59 |
Psychology and Political Science represent the primary offerings, with Psychology ranking #67 nationally among 234 graduates earning $45,056. American Government and Politics enrolls 145 students earning $51,838.
These programs deliver moderate earnings with manageable debt levels, though students should expect extended payoff periods. This group serves students interested in public service, mental health, law, or policy careers where graduate education often enhances earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | #9 | $56,907★ | — | 46 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #139 | $51,838 | $34,024 | 145 |
| Psychology, General. | #67 | $45,056 | $19,757 | 234 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #103 | $42,436 | — | 66 |
| Anthropology, General. | #125 | $31,133 | — | 24 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #276 | $26,739 | — | 43 |
Communication and Media Studies enrolls 199 students earning $47,004, ranking #104 nationally. The program offers good debt affordability with payments representing 8-12% of discretionary income.
This field serves students interested in journalism, public relations, marketing, or media production careers. While earnings are moderate, the program provides foundation skills applicable across diverse industries and geographic markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #109 | $47,004 | $25,905 | 199 |
Commercial Photography. leads humanities & arts with 58K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #18 | $57,533★ | — | 70 |
| General Studies. | #40 | $55,964 | — | 27 |
| American History (United States). | #119 | $46,314 | — | 74 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #105 | $42,708 | $17,053 | 101 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #51 | $34,099 | — | 69 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #199 | $30,577 | — | 35 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General.Small sample | #15 | $19,227 | — | 16 |
Agricultural Teacher Education. leads education with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #52 | $49,401★ | — | 65 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #143 | $42,750 | — | 62 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding ranks #8 nationally, representing exceptional program quality despite modest earnings of $43,013. Environmental Science enrolls 129 students with earnings of $39,680.
These programs reflect NC State's agricultural heritage and environmental mission, serving students interested in food systems, conservation, and natural resource management. While earnings are below institutional averages, graduates enter fields with strong purpose-driven career satisfaction.
Debt remains manageable though payoff timelines extend to 15-20 years.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management. | #3 | $63,034★ | — | 73 |
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #9 | $60,608 | — | 104 |
| Brewing Science.Small sample | #27 | $50,631 | — | 15 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding. | #16 | $45,554 | — | 54 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #8 | $43,013 | $32,668 | 218 |
| Agriculture, General. | #23 | $41,084 | — | 26 |
| Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician.Small sample | #10 | $41,007 | — | 15 |
| Environmental Science. | #93 | $39,680 | — | 129 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 55K on average, with 4 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Technology and Society. | #4 | $73,515★ | — | 62 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #10 | $61,801 | — | 89 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | #6 | $56,784 | — | 95 |
| Architectural Design. | #51 | $49,019 | — | 30 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #6 | $45,730 | — | 48 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #23 | $44,769 | — | 76 |
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.
