Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Pomona College vary significantly by field of study, though the institution offers a limited range of four programs with sufficient data for analysis. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 5 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface the four programs at Pomona with sufficient enrollment for reliable outcome analysis.
#37 nationally
$30K median earnings
Computer Science leads earnings outcomes at $128,737, followed by Applied Economics at $100,669. Mathematics graduates earn $50,712, while Neuroscience graduates earn $39,967. This range reflects typical liberal arts patterns, with technical fields producing higher immediate earnings while other programs emphasize preparation for graduate study and diverse career pathways.
National rankings highlight Pomona's strength across diverse liberal arts fields despite its small program portfolio. Applied Economics achieves the strongest ranking at #29 nationally, while Computer Science ranks #39 among all institutions offering the major. Mathematics ranks #66 nationally, and Neuroscience ranks #42. These rankings reflect both academic rigor and post-graduation outcomes, with programs benefiting from Pomona's academic reputation and alumni networks.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare Pomona's four programs by earnings, national rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Pomona College.
Computer Science stands out as Pomona's highest-earning program at $128,737, ranking #39 nationally despite the institution's liberal arts focus. This program demonstrates exceptional outcomes for students seeking technical careers while maintaining the intellectual breadth characteristic of liberal arts education.
The strong national ranking reflects both rigorous academic preparation and favorable employment prospects for Pomona computer science graduates.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #37 | $128,737 | — | 34 |
Programs at the same institution show different outcomes because career paths and labor market demand vary significantly by field of study. Pomona's four programs span from Computer Science earning $128,737 to Neuroscience at $39,967, reflecting both program characteristics and post-graduation career choices. Rankings reflect labor market results based on Department of Education College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Cohort sizes range from 22 to 60 graduates, providing reliable outcome data while reflecting Pomona's small scale. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion data to assess program-level return on investment. These metrics help students understand likely financial outcomes by field of study, though individual results vary based on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions. Liberal arts programs often prioritize preparation for graduate study over immediate earnings, which influences the outcome patterns observed in Pomona's program mix.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Applied Economics achieves the highest value score of 86.1, combining solid earnings with excellent completion rates and manageable debt. Computer Science follows with a value score of 79.2, reflecting strong earnings despite higher program costs. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment.
This group shows considerable variation, with Mathematics producing $50,712 earnings and ranking #66 nationally, while Neuroscience graduates earn $39,967. Both programs reflect Pomona's strength in preparing students for graduate study, with outcomes emphasizing academic preparation over immediate earnings.
These programs suit students prioritizing intellectual development and advanced study pathways over short-term financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #62 | $50,712★ | — | 44 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #42 | $39,967 | — | 22 |
Applied Economics. leads social sciences & policy with 101K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #29 | $100,669★ | — | 60 |
| Education Policy Analysis.Small sample | #29 | $29,685 | — | 16 |
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.
