Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at NSU vary significantly by field of study, with nursing and technology programs leading earnings while education and liberal arts programs focus on service-oriented career paths. 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 and assess which programs align with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at NSU.
#87 nationally
$62K 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 Northeastern State University.
Engineering and technology programs show exceptional value and specialized career preparation. Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology ranks #3 nationally with $61,917 earnings and the highest program value score of 75.0.
Computer Science graduates earn $73,546, though the program ranks lower nationally due to smaller cohort size. These programs are best suited for students seeking technical careers with strong earnings potential and specialized industry preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #170 | $73,546 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings data from the federal College Scorecard, measuring actual labor market outcomes rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings vary significantly between programs at the same institution due to industry compensation patterns, graduate school preparation focus, and career path differences. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major, not across different fields, so a #50 ranking in nursing represents different earning potential than #50 in education. Cohort sizes indicate confidence levels, with larger cohorts providing more reliable outcome data. Programs serving as pre-professional preparation for graduate school may show lower initial earnings that do not reflect long-term career potential after advanced degree completion.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 44 |
| Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician. | #4 | $61,917 | — | 53 |
Business programs provide moderate earnings with broad career applicability across multiple specializations. Business Administration graduates earn $49,885 with substantial enrollment of 107 students, while Accounting Technology produces higher earnings of $58,689.
Digital Marketing and Banking services show varied outcomes within the business cluster. These programs suit students seeking versatile career preparation with reasonable earnings expectations and diverse industry applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management.Small sample | #52 | $72,575★ | — | 12 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #160 | $61,112 | — | 26 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #205 | $58,689 | — | 67 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #232 | $49,885 | — | 107 |
| Digital Marketing. | #205 | $40,972 | — | 46 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | #77 | $38,289 | — | 10 |
Health programs at NSU deliver the strongest earnings outcomes across the institution. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with $81,547 median earnings and ranks #84 nationally, graduating 134 students annually.
Other health specialties like Speech-Language Pathology and Behavioral Aspects of Health provide moderate earnings with strong career preparation. These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing stable career prospects and above-average earnings potential in healthcare fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #87 | $81,547★ | — | 134 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #57 | $52,107 | — | 20 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #115 | $46,732 | — | 20 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #67 | $46,675 | — | 25 |
Science programs provide foundational preparation for healthcare and graduate study with lower initial earnings. Behavioral Neuroscience and Anatomy programs serve pre-professional students preparing for medical, veterinary, or graduate school admission.
These programs are designed for students planning advanced education rather than immediate workforce entry, making earnings data less representative of long-term career prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General.Small sample | #299 | $47,339★ | — | 16 |
| Anatomy. | #22 | $34,174 | — | 60 |
Forensic Social Work. leads social sciences & policy with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #98 | $44,465★ | — | 41 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #40 | $32,440 | — | 121 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #287 | $21,964 | — | 12 |
Broadcast Journalism. leads communications with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism.Small sample | — | $39,500★ | — | 9 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other.Small sample | — | $28,598 | — | 9 |
Liberal arts and general studies programs provide broad educational foundations with moderate earnings outcomes. General Studies graduates earn $41,260, serving students seeking flexible degree completion or preparation for diverse career paths.
These programs suit students prioritizing educational breadth, transfer pathway completion, or preparation for graduate study over immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #122 | $41,260★ | — | 89 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #273 | $35,337 | — | 21 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #215 | $32,004 | — | 15 |
Education programs emphasize career preparation for teaching and educational services with moderate earnings reflecting public service compensation. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $40,593, while Agricultural Teacher Education produces $44,125 earnings.
These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing educational impact and community service over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #95 | $44,125★ | — | 45 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #63 | $43,595 | — | 17 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #118 | $40,593 | — | 98 |
Criminal justice programs focus on public service careers with moderate earnings potential. Corrections Administration graduates earn $44,016, ranking #114 nationally with solid regional career prospects.
These programs are designed for students committed to law enforcement, corrections, and public safety careers where service motivation complements earnings considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #115 | $44,016 | — | 105 |
Interdisciplinary programs offer specialized career preparation with varied outcomes. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #42 nationally with $55,621 earnings, while Exercise Science provides moderate earnings for fitness and wellness careers.
These programs suit students with specific career interests or those seeking innovative approaches to traditional disciplines.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #41 | $55,621★ | — | 41 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #161 | $39,435 | — | 69 |
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.
