Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Rhode Island College vary significantly by field of study, with health professions leading earnings outcomes while education and social service programs emphasize professional preparation and public service pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this data to compare how different academic paths perform in terms of economic outcomes and career preparation.
Analyzing 32 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment size.
#167 nationally
$34K 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, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Rhode Island College.
Computer Science represents the primary technology offering with $60,361 earnings and 37 graduates annually, ranking #171 nationally and #2 in Rhode Island. While competitive with other technical programs regionally, the value score of 7.1 suggests moderate return relative to educational investment.
This program suits students seeking technical careers with solid earnings potential, though outcomes may not match elite technology institutions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #181 | $60,361 | — | 37 |
Program rankings reflect graduate earnings and career outcomes as measured by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard data, which tracks graduates 10 years after enrollment. Rankings compare outcomes against all similar programs nationally, not institutional reputation or input measures. Variation in outcomes occurs because different fields face different labor market conditions, salary structures, and career progression patterns. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting, ensuring statistical reliability while potentially excluding smaller specialized offerings. Value scores integrate earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess return on educational investment. These data help students understand how program choice affects post-graduation outcomes, supporting informed decision-making based on career goals and financial considerations rather than prestige alone.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business programs show consistent mid-range earnings from $49,096 to $57,671, with solid cohort sizes indicating strong student demand. Accounting Technology ranks #203 nationally while Business Administration ranks #196, both achieving #2 positions in Rhode Island.
Digital Marketing offers a newer pathway with moderate earnings of $49,096. These programs provide practical preparation for private sector careers and are best suited for students seeking versatile business skills with predictable employment outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services.Small sample | #199 | $61,463★ | — | 13 |
| Information Resources Management.Small sample | #80 | $61,018 | — | 15 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #196 | $57,671 | — | 74 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #200 | $57,587 | — | 86 |
| Digital Marketing. | #163 | $49,096 | — | 38 |
This group delivers the strongest earnings outcomes at Rhode Island College, led by Adult Health Nursing at $72,650 median earnings with 152 graduates annually. Allied Health and Clinical Research programs also demonstrate solid returns, with earnings ranging from $56,639 to $62,550.
These programs rank among the top nationally and represent flagship offerings that combine practical clinical preparation with strong employment demand, making them well-suited for students prioritizing career security and earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #167 | $72,650★ | — | 152 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #35 | $62,550 | — | 41 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #28 | $56,639 | — | 28 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling. | #18 | $34,496 | — | 23 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #79 | $27,476 | — | 29 |
Biology, General. leads sciences & mathematics with 62K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General.Small sample | #88 | $62,028★ | — | 19 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | — | $61,903 | — | 5 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | — | $54,398 | — | 5 |
Programs in this cluster range from $40,576 for Psychology to $51,733 for American Government, with Psychology representing the second-largest program at 129 graduates. Forensic Social Work achieves exceptional value with a score of 57.5 and ranks #83 nationally.
Applied Sociology also demonstrates solid outcomes. These fields serve students interested in human services, policy work, and social impact careers, though earnings vary considerably by specific pathway.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #222 | $51,733★ | — | 28 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #148 | $45,550 | — | 30 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #82 | $43,109 | — | 100 |
| Psychology, General. | #248 | $40,576 | $15,577 | 129 |
| Public Administration, Other.Small sample | #36 | $32,409 | — | 11 |
Limited representation in this category with smaller cohort sizes, though available programs demonstrate typical outcomes for communications fields. Students interested in media, journalism, or communications should consider the program portfolio alongside transfer options or complementary majors that might better serve career objectives within Rhode Island College's strengths in health, education, and social services.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #215 | $41,716 | — | 25 |
English Literature and Art History demonstrate solid value despite moderate earnings around $40,000-$41,500, with both programs achieving strong rankings nationally (#128 and #63 respectively). Art History particularly excels with a value score of 72.7 and #1 ranking in Rhode Island.
These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development and creative expression, with outcomes supporting graduate study continuation and cultural sector careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #177 | $44,302★ | — | 29 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #64 | $41,520 | — | 44 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #132 | $40,661 | — | 55 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #90 | $36,093 | — | 11 |
| Acting.Small sample | #101 | $29,869 | — | 12 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | — | $18,685 | — | 9 |
Education programs balance moderate earnings with meaningful professional preparation, ranging from $46,049 to $50,947 across different specializations. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #62 nationally, while Agricultural Teacher Education and special education programs achieve #1 rankings in Rhode Island.
These programs are well-suited for students who prioritize career purpose and community impact over maximum earnings potential, with strong job market stability in educational settings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #26 | $50,947★ | — | 26 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #71 | $47,449 | — | 45 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #58 | $46,049 | — | 65 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 41K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science.Small sample | #131 | $40,752 | — | 11 |
Corrections Administration stands out with exceptional performance, ranking #44 nationally and #1 in Rhode Island with $52,198 earnings and a strong value score of 77.5. The program graduates 84 students annually, demonstrating substantial enrollment alongside quality outcomes.
This field represents excellent value for students interested in public safety careers, combining solid earnings potential with meaningful public service opportunities and strong job market demand.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #43 | $52,198 | — | 84 |
African-American/Black Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 35K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | — | $35,060 | — | 6 |
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.
