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 38 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Northern Kentucky University.
recent graduates
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. |
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
| — |
| $88,492★ |
| — |
| 31 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $82,982 | $12,141 | 114 |
| Information Science/Studies. | — | $50,009 | — | 22 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $85,697★ | — | 20 |
| Construction Management. | — | $81,833 | — | 29 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $67,319 | — | 409 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $65,960 | $16,356 | 61 |
| Business/Managerial Economics.Small sample | — | $49,683 | — | 15 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $77,404★ | $27,617 | 274 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | — | $73,478 | — | 62 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | — | $61,173 | $21,000 | 55 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.Small sample | — | $34,420 | — | 6 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $65,038★ | — | 15 |
| Biology, General. | — | $56,999 | — | 58 |
| Mathematics.Small sample | — | $46,478 | — | 11 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government.Small sample | — | $50,668★ | — | 12 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $47,280 | $15,000 | 101 |
| Social Work. | — | $44,914 | $21,950 | 80 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies.Small sample | — | $41,730 | — | 7 |
| Sociology.Small sample | — | $32,569 | — | 13 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $21,052 | — | 11 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $53,082★ | $13,621 | 63 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $49,989 | — | 26 |
| Journalism. | — | $44,834 | $16,273 | 39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $52,703★ | — | 21 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $50,322 | $15,956 | 82 |
| History. | — | $48,109 | — | 30 |
| Music.Small sample | — | $47,343 | — | 8 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $44,561 | — | 7 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $44,385 | — | 37 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $42,684 | $26,593 | 46 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $35,624 | — | 50 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.Small sample | — | $45,738★ | — | 11 |
| Special Education and Teaching.Small sample | — | $42,964 | — | 9 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $42,709 | $16,910 | 125 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 49K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research.Small sample | — | $48,949 | — | 18 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $55,835 | $14,947 | 52 |
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.
