Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Northern Kentucky University vary significantly by field of study, with some programs delivering exceptional national rankings while others provide solid regional career preparation. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 41 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Northern Kentucky University.
#12 nationally
$78K 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 Northern Kentucky University.
Northern Kentucky University's engineering and technology programs demonstrate exceptional national performance and strong earnings outcomes. Chemical Engineering Technology ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Kentucky, producing graduates earning $77,721 from a focused cohort of 37 students.
Artificial Intelligence ranks #84 nationally as one of the university's flagship programs, graduating 141 students with median earnings of $75,313. These programs combine technical rigor with practical application, creating pathways to high-demand careers in manufacturing, technology, and emerging fields.
The strong value scores and national rankings position these programs among Northern Kentucky University's most competitive offerings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than institutional reputation or input measures. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, with cohort size requirements ensuring statistical reliability. Rankings compare programs against all institutions offering the same major nationally and within Kentucky. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on educational investment. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, graduate school plans, and career goals when selecting majors. Earnings represent median outcomes for bachelor's degree recipients and may not reflect individual experiences or career trajectories requiring graduate education.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #12 |
| $77,721★ |
| — |
| 37 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #85 | $75,313 | $12,141 | 141 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #48 | $52,984 | — | 46 |
Business programs at Northern Kentucky University serve as the institution's largest academic area while maintaining solid career outcomes. Business Administration graduates 306 students annually with median earnings of $54,581, ranking #1 in Kentucky for this major.
Construction Management delivers exceptional outcomes with earnings of $83,736, ranking #13 nationally, though from a smaller cohort of 36 students. Executive Career Coaching ranks #26 nationally with strong value scores, demonstrating the university's strength in specialized professional preparation.
These programs balance broad enrollment with targeted career preparation across traditional and emerging business fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #12 | $83,736★ | — | 36 |
| Information Resources Management. | #51 | $73,620 | — | 30 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #131 | $62,699 | $15,912 | 24 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #230 | $61,901 | — | 20 |
| Business/Commerce, General.Small sample | #37 | $61,090 | — | 16 |
| Digital Marketing.Small sample | #138 | $55,123 | $18,000 | 10 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #233 | $54,581 | — | 306 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #29 | $53,031 | $16,356 | 110 |
| Business/Managerial Economics.Small sample | #54 | $49,683 | — | 10 |
Health professions at Northern Kentucky University combine strong earnings potential with robust enrollment. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates 223 students with median earnings of $62,248, representing one of the university's largest programs.
Health Services/Allied Health ranks #12 nationally with exceptional earnings of $65,376 and a high value score of 85.9, though from a smaller cohort of 59 students. Allied Health Diagnostic programs provide additional pathways with earnings of $45,499.
These programs serve the growing healthcare sector while maintaining competitive outcomes relative to regional and national peers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #13 | $65,376★ | — | 59 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #248 | $62,248 | $27,617 | 223 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #73 | $45,499 | $21,000 | 53 |
Biology represents Northern Kentucky University's primary science offering, graduating 83 students with median earnings of $43,852. While earnings are moderate compared to engineering programs, Biology provides essential preparation for graduate study and healthcare careers.
The program ranks #291 nationally, reflecting typical outcomes for undergraduate biology programs that often serve as pre-professional preparation. Students should consider this program within the context of continued education plans, as many biology graduates pursue advanced degrees in medicine, research, or specialized health fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #73 | $59,983★ | — | 16 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #192 | $54,345 | — | 19 |
| Biology, General. | #294 | $43,852 | — | 83 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | — | $40,398 | — | 5 |
Psychology serves as Northern Kentucky University's primary social science program, graduating 97 students with median earnings of $35,440. While earnings are lower than technical fields, the program provides preparation for graduate study and human service careers.
Forensic Social Work offers a specialized pathway with earnings of $39,098, demonstrating the university's focus on applied social science programs. These majors typically serve students planning graduate education or careers in counseling, social work, and human services where bachelor's degree earnings represent early-career baseline rather than peak earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States).Small sample | #243 | $49,177★ | — | 12 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #169 | $39,098 | $21,950 | 69 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #270 | $35,603 | — | 13 |
| Psychology, General. | #320 | $35,440 | $15,000 | 97 |
| International Relations and Affairs.Small sample | #76 | $28,598 | — | 17 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | — | $21,052 | — | 8 |
Communications programs at Northern Kentucky University offer diverse career preparation with solid regional outcomes. Communication and Media Studies produces graduates earning $44,868 with strong value performance, ranking #149 nationally and #2 in Kentucky.
Broadcast Journalism graduates earn $40,037 while ranking #62 nationally, demonstrating competitive preparation in specialized media fields. These programs serve students seeking careers in media, corporate communication, and digital content creation, with outcomes that support entry into competitive communication industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #60 | $45,457★ | — | 32 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #153 | $44,868 | $13,621 | 73 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #62 | $40,037 | $16,273 | 69 |
Liberal arts programs at Northern Kentucky University provide broad-based education with solid career preparation. General Studies ranks #72 nationally with earnings of $45,457, demonstrating strong outcomes for interdisciplinary education.
Art History produces earnings of $34,108 from a smaller cohort, serving students interested in cultural careers and graduate study. These programs emphasize critical thinking, communication, and adaptability skills valued across diverse career paths, with outcomes that support both immediate workforce entry and continued education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #77 | $45,457★ | $15,956 | 92 |
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | #99 | $43,664 | — | 13 |
| American History (United States). | #199 | $40,575 | — | 36 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #146 | $34,108 | $26,593 | 56 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #276 | $32,715 | — | 42 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #127 | $32,345 | — | 15 |
| Acting. | #106 | $24,505 | — | 47 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #174 | $23,351 | — | 10 |
Adult and Continuing Education represents Northern Kentucky University's education focus, graduating 154 students with median earnings of $37,876. The program ranks #144 nationally and #2 in Kentucky, demonstrating competitive preparation for educational careers.
Education programs typically produce moderate earnings that reflect public service career paths, with outcomes supporting entry into teaching, training, and educational administration roles. The substantial enrollment indicates strong regional demand for education professionals, with graduates serving diverse learning environments.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | #117 | $43,453★ | — | 19 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #155 | $37,876 | $16,910 | 154 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #96 | $36,131 | — | 15 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 27K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #153 | $26,625 | — | 27 |
Corrections Administration serves Northern Kentucky University's criminal justice programming, producing 48 graduates with median earnings of $45,968. The program ranks #112 nationally and #2 in Kentucky, demonstrating solid preparation for careers in law enforcement and corrections.
Criminal justice programs typically lead to public service careers with structured advancement opportunities, where earnings grow with experience and specialization. The program serves students interested in law enforcement, corrections, and security careers within government and private sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #113 | $45,968 | $14,947 | 48 |
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.
