Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Radford University vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 35 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#176 nationally
$38K 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 Radford University.
Computer Science ranks #169 nationally and #2 in Virginia, producing 46 graduates with strong median earnings of $81,648. Despite higher debt levels creating a lower value score, this program delivers the university's highest earnings outcomes.
Well-suited for students who can manage higher educational investment for substantial long-term earning potential in growing technology fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #176 | $81,648★ | $42,450 | 46 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings represent median income of graduates ten years after enrollment, while cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to assess overall program effectiveness. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes because graduates enter different labor markets, pursue different career paths, and face different demand patterns for their skills. Rankings help students understand how specific programs translate academic preparation into career outcomes, enabling more informed major selection based on personal goals and financial considerations. These outcomes reflect program-specific factors including curriculum focus, industry partnerships, regional employment patterns, and graduate school preparation rather than overall institutional quality.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| Information Science/Studies.Small sample |
| #34 |
| $71,208 |
| — |
| 14 |
Business programs demonstrate notable variation in outcomes, with Banking and Financial Services ranking #47 nationally and achieving strong earnings of $78,478, while general Business Administration shows more modest results. Digital Marketing ranks #70 nationally with solid earnings of $59,314.
This group is best suited for students who can navigate program-specific differences in career preparation and market demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #46 | $78,478★ | $24,234 | 58 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #167 | $65,268 | — | 35 |
| Digital Marketing. | #65 | $59,314 | $17,593 | 77 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #292 | $49,713 | $31,118 | 112 |
Health programs at Radford University show strong workforce outcomes, led by Adult Health Nursing which ranks #228 nationally and serves as the university's largest program with 219 graduates. These programs typically deliver above-average earnings with manageable debt loads, making them well-suited for students seeking stable career paths with clear professional trajectories and strong regional employment demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #39 | $63,606★ | — | 12 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #239 | $62,098 | $22,307 | 219 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator.Small sample | — | $58,731 | — | 9 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.Small sample | #64 | $54,622 | — | 19 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #56 | $53,047 | $21,994 | 32 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #20 | $29,685 | — | 23 |
Biology General ranks #170 nationally with median earnings of $47,617 and moderate cohort size of 102 graduates. Science programs typically prepare students for graduate study continuation, with earnings that may increase substantially with advanced degrees.
These programs are best suited for students planning further education or research-oriented careers where initial earnings may understate long-term potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #168 | $47,617★ | $20,260 | 102 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | — | $38,289 | — | 6 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #169 | $37,568 | — | 19 |
Psychology General ranks #197 nationally and serves as one of the university's larger programs with 150 graduates earning $41,874. American Government and Politics achieves stronger earnings at $64,410 with smaller cohort size.
These programs suit students interested in human services, policy work, or graduate school preparation where specialized training builds on foundational knowledge.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #79 | $64,410★ | — | 27 |
| Applied Economics. | #207 | $52,587 | — | 20 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #106 | $43,501 | — | 38 |
| Psychology, General. | #200 | $41,874 | $20,536 | 150 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #72 | $40,647 | — | 12 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | #42 | $37,377 | — | 13 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #258 | $35,243 | — | 12 |
Communications programs excel in value creation, with Communication and Media Studies ranking #48 nationally and achieving the highest value score (81.6) among all university programs. Despite moderate earnings levels, these programs combine strong career preparation with controlled debt levels.
This group serves students prioritizing creative fields with practical career applications and efficient degree completion.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #49 | $51,557★ | $17,867 | 78 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #58 | $40,954 | $22,837 | 57 |
Art History Criticism and Conservation ranks #121 nationally with 41 graduates earning $35,907. Humanities programs typically emphasize intellectual development and creative skills that may translate into varied career paths.
These programs serve students prioritizing personal enrichment and transferable skills over immediate financial returns, often requiring additional career development or graduate study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #87 | $49,327★ | — | 30 |
| Commercial Photography. | #97 | $40,925 | — | 29 |
| Ballet.Small sample | #5 | $38,259 | — | 13 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #263 | $35,936 | — | 26 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #126 | $35,907 | — | 41 |
| Acting.Small sample | #81 | $29,659 | — | 19 |
| Brass Instruments. | #160 | $20,140 | — | 25 |
Agricultural Teacher Education stands out with a #34 national ranking and strong value score of 76.3, graduating 146 students with median earnings of $42,857. Education programs typically emphasize service and career stability over maximum earnings, making them ideal for students committed to teaching and educational leadership roles with strong job security and community impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #40 | $42,857 | $27,632 | 146 |
Corrections Administration ranks #91 nationally with median earnings of $47,305 and strong enrollment of 127 graduates. This program demonstrates solid workforce preparation for law enforcement and correctional careers.
Best suited for students seeking public service careers with clear advancement pathways and stable employment in growing fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #89 | $47,305 | $19,202 | 127 |
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies Other ranks #60 nationally with 169 graduates earning $45,419, serving as the university's second-largest program. Forensic Social Work ranks #111 nationally with specialized career preparation.
These flexible programs suit students with diverse interests or those combining multiple fields for unique career paths requiring adaptability and broad skill sets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #65 | $45,419★ | $25,616 | 169 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #12 | $43,089 | $24,197 | 60 |
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.
