Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Oakland University vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and technology programs leading earnings performance while education and social sciences offer different career pathway value. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data rather than reputation measures.
Analyzing 47 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate standout performance across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment scale.
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 Oakland University.
Engineering programs at Oakland University deliver exceptional outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $91,496 and ranking #40 nationally. Mechanical Engineering produces similar results at $89,376 with substantial enrollment of 182 graduates.
Artificial Intelligence represents emerging technology demand with graduates earning $87,350. These programs combine strong market positioning with excellent value scores exceeding 74.6.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing high earnings potential and technical career advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering. | — | $102,222 |
Program outcomes vary significantly at Oakland University based on labor market demand and career pathway differences. Engineering and technology programs consistently deliver the highest earnings, while education and social sciences emphasize service-oriented career preparation with different value propositions. Rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes using Department of Education College Scorecard data, which tracks graduate earnings and debt levels rather than academic reputation or program prestige. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting, ensuring statistical reliability across all included majors. These data represent typical outcomes for program graduates and should inform academic planning alongside personal interests and career goals. Oakland University's diverse program portfolio serves students with varied career objectives and earning priorities.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 28 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $99,967 | $8,896 | 128 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $97,444 | $18,677 | 173 |
| Computer Engineering. | — | $95,843 | — | 49 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $90,737 | $20,000 | 176 |
| Biological/Biosystems Engineering. | — | $57,337 | — | 20 |
Business programs demonstrate strong market outcomes, with Business Administration graduates earning $81,070 and achieving exceptional value scores of 87.3. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #1 in Michigan with graduates earning $78,839.
Executive/Career Coaching ranks #10 nationally, graduating 207 students with median earnings of $60,527. Digital Marketing shows modern relevance with graduates earning $63,669.
These programs excel for students seeking versatile career preparation with solid earning potential across diverse business sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $88,497★ | — | 46 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | — | $87,119 | — | 6 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $84,052 | — | 70 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $82,699 | $11,067 | 69 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $79,127 | $12,965 | 111 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | — | $70,347 | $14,358 | 183 |
| Marketing. | — | $69,448 | $16,800 | 76 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | — | $68,496 | $24,922 | 57 |
Health professions represent Oakland University's largest enrollment area, with Adult Health Nursing graduating 443 students annually earning $68,205. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences ranks #11 nationally with 309 graduates.
These programs combine substantial job market demand with solid earning outcomes and manageable debt levels. Loan affordability analysis shows excellent payment-to-income ratios.
This field suits students committed to healthcare careers with strong employment stability and meaningful social impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health. | — | $85,266★ | — | 25 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $81,667 | $15,118 | 520 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | — | $70,486 | — | 28 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Small sample | — | $63,925 | — | 16 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | — | $54,767 | $18,342 | 246 |
Biology represents the primary science offering with 152 graduates earning $40,707, though outcomes lag technical programs. The program ranks #262 nationally with moderate value scores of 29.1, reflecting typical pre-professional pathway characteristics.
Graduate school continuation estimates suggest many students pursue advanced degrees. This field works best for students planning graduate education in medicine, research, or related fields rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.Small sample | — | $61,384★ | — | 17 |
| Mathematics.Small sample | — | $57,531 | — | 19 |
| Biology, General. | — | $55,991 | $17,915 | 165 |
Psychology General enrolls 156 students with graduates earning $41,537, though outcomes remain below institutional averages. The program ranks #201 nationally with value scores of 42.2, reflecting typical social science earning patterns.
Forensic Social Work demonstrates specialized strength, ranking #46 nationally with graduates earning $46,925. These programs serve students prioritizing public service, human development, or graduate school preparation over immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics.Small sample | — | $71,874★ | — | 6 |
| Social Work. | — | $55,754 | $21,048 | 91 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $51,129 | — | 40 |
| Sociology. | — | $47,873 | — | 24 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $46,628 | — | 9 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $45,141 | $20,718 | 198 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies.Small sample | — | $28,019 | — | 13 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $45,064 with moderate debt levels and rank #131 nationally. The program enrolls 146 students with value scores of 49.0, indicating reasonable return on investment despite lower earnings.
Outcomes reflect diverse career pathways in media, marketing, and organizational communication. This field suits students seeking creative and interpersonal career development with understanding that earnings growth may require career advancement over time.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $55,662★ | $23,701 | 110 |
| Journalism. | — | $46,680 | — | 23 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.Small sample | — | $40,299 | — | 19 |
General Studies demonstrates unexpected strength, ranking #55 nationally and #2 in Michigan with graduates earning $47,030. The program shows excellent value scores of 70.2 with low debt levels of $13,417.
This reflects Oakland University's effectiveness in supporting broadly educated graduates across diverse career applications. This path works well for students seeking flexible career preparation or planning graduate study in professional fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $63,534★ | $13,417 | 133 |
| History. | — | $48,990 | — | 36 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $48,101 | — | 48 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $47,432 | $20,640 | 61 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $44,270 | — | 14 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | — | $43,186 | — | 24 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | — | $41,443 | — | 24 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Small sample | — | $39,442 | — | 17 |
| Dance.Small sample | — | $24,421 | — | 6 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | — | $20,140 | — | 26 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $40,787 across 134 students, ranking #108 nationally with moderate value scores. The program reflects teaching and training career pathways with typical education sector compensation patterns.
Loan affordability shows manageable payment structures despite modest earnings. This field serves students committed to educational careers and community development, understanding that financial rewards emphasize service impact over high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $48,396★ | $18,070 | 130 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.Small sample | — | $37,424 | — | 11 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 60K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $59,922 | — | 28 |
Homeland Security. leads criminal justice with 64K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security.Small sample | — | $63,858★ | — | 16 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $60,027 | — | 77 |
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.
