Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vary significantly by field of study, with technical and professional programs generally delivering stronger earnings than liberal arts fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation, helping students understand labor market realities across different majors.
Analyzing 60 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel in national rankings, earnings outcomes, or represent significant enrollment at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
#1 nationally
$104K 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 ranking, debt levels, and enrollment size to help students evaluate outcomes across different fields of study.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
Programs in this cluster deliver strong earnings outcomes, led by Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology (#8 nationally, $70,569 earnings) and Chemical Engineering Technology (#21 nationally, $62,784 earnings). Both programs rank #1 in Illinois, reflecting Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's established reputation in applied engineering education.
These programs are best suited for students who prefer hands-on technical training over theoretical engineering approaches.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. |
Program rankings and outcomes reflect federal College Scorecard data tracking graduates' earnings and debt levels several years after completion. Rankings are based on national comparisons within each major category, measuring labor market performance rather than academic prestige or institutional reputation. Outcomes vary significantly by field of study because different career paths have different earning potential, employment demand, and educational requirements. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in each program's data, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Students should consider these outcomes alongside their personal interests, career goals, and willingness to pursue additional education or certification beyond the bachelor's degree. Data represents median outcomes, meaning half of graduates earn more and half earn less than the reported figures.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $81,188★ |
| — |
| 32 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #161 | $80,996 | — | 56 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #192 | $77,944 | — | 32 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #135 | $74,600 | — | 18 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #150 | $71,341 | — | 32 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #8 | $70,569 | $17,819 | 112 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #24 | $62,784 | — | 101 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician. | #26 | $60,537 | — | 23 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #201 | $46,254 | — | 60 |
Business programs show mixed outcomes, with Accounting Technology producing $57,569 median earnings despite ranking #173 nationally, while Actuarial Science delivers $54,553 earnings at #50 nationally. The variation reflects different career trajectories within business fields, from immediate employment in accounting services to specialized insurance and finance roles requiring additional certification.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #265 | $58,561★ | — | 29 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #184 | $58,331 | — | 40 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #171 | $57,569 | — | 118 |
| Actuarial Science. | #50 | $54,553 | $9,000 | 57 |
| Digital Marketing. | #132 | $53,389 | — | 42 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #68 | $40,930 | — | 27 |
Health programs demonstrate strong specialized outcomes, with Allied Health Diagnostic professions earning $67,464 (#18 nationally) and Clinical Research Coordinator programs producing $44,205 earnings. The wide earnings range reflects diverse career paths from direct patient care to research coordination, with specialized technical roles commanding premium salaries.
These programs are well-suited for students seeking healthcare careers outside traditional nursing or medicine.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #19 | $67,464★ | — | 61 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #19 | $51,610 | — | 40 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.Small sample | #120 | $46,373 | — | 17 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #59 | $44,205 | — | 92 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy.Small sample | #32 | $35,850 | — | 12 |
Limited representation in this category, with Artificial Intelligence programs producing $46,254 earnings while ranking #185 nationally. The lower performance may reflect the emerging nature of AI as an undergraduate field, with graduates often requiring additional specialization for competitive advantage.
Students should consider whether graduate education or professional certifications enhance career prospects in rapidly evolving technology fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #122 | $49,849★ | $13,003 | 49 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | — | $38,289 | — | 7 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology. | #12 | $35,205 | — | 41 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #247 | $31,670 | — | 10 |
Criminology stands out with strong performance (#13 nationally, $50,711 earnings), while Psychology produces typical outcomes for the field ($39,760, #263 nationally). The contrast reflects different career preparation approaches, with criminology offering more direct professional pathways compared to psychology's emphasis on graduate school preparation.
These programs are best suited for students planning advanced education or public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | #13 | $50,711★ | $21,155 | 75 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #197 | $49,182 | — | 31 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #151 | $39,975 | $17,341 | 47 |
| Psychology, General. | #267 | $39,760 | $15,757 | 84 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #89 | $36,544 | — | 14 |
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #230 | $30,771 | — | 13 |
Limited program data available in this category at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Students interested in communications fields may need to consider related programs in other categories or explore options at institutions with stronger communications program portfolios.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #78 | $42,041★ | — | 30 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #52 | $35,648 | $20,133 | 51 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #256 | $32,465 | — | 33 |
General Studies represents this category with modest outcomes ($38,449 earnings, #148 nationally), reflecting the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the program. Students in this path typically use the degree as foundation for diverse career options or graduate study, with outcomes varying significantly based on individual career choices and additional specialization beyond graduation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #155 | $38,449★ | — | 54 |
| American History (United States). | #269 | $37,394 | — | 21 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #248 | $36,390 | — | 24 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #167 | $32,550 | — | 37 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #57 | $32,289 | — | 38 |
| Acting.Small sample | #102 | $28,499 | — | 11 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #80 | $25,921 | — | 34 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #168 | $23,351 | — | 10 |
Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #1 nationally with $60,744 median earnings and perfect value scores, while Adult and Continuing Education ranks #130 nationally with $41,021 earnings. The strong performance in agricultural education reflects specialized demand for qualified teachers in rural and agricultural communities.
These programs prioritize long-term educational and public service pathways rather than immediate high earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #2 | $60,744★ | — | 173 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #78 | $43,409 | — | 16 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #136 | $41,021 | — | 64 |
Agricultural Teacher Education dominates this category with exceptional national ranking (#1) and strong earnings of $60,744, reflecting specialized demand for qualified agricultural educators. The program's perfect value score indicates excellent return on investment for students committed to agricultural education careers.
This path is well-suited for students passionate about rural education and agricultural leadership roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Chemistry and Physics. | #5 | $54,080★ | — | 22 |
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #39 | $53,503 | — | 37 |
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management. | #14 | $46,984 | — | 49 |
| Agriculture, General.Small sample | #25 | $41,295 | — | 19 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #56 | $36,249 | — | 35 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services.Small sample | #8 | $29,685 | — | 16 |
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology stands out nationally, ranking #1 with exceptional earnings of $104,017 and perfect value scores. This specialized program demonstrates Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's strength in public safety education, delivering outcomes that significantly exceed typical criminal justice programs.
Students pursuing this path typically find strong employment demand in emergency services and industrial safety sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | #1 🏆 | $104,017 | — | 44 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents this category with $40,396 earnings (#162 nationally), reflecting typical outcomes for fitness and recreation fields. The program serves students pursuing careers in fitness, coaching, and wellness, though many graduates pursue additional certifications or graduate education to enhance career prospects.
This path suits students committed to health promotion and physical education careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | #9 | $59,650★ | $38,215 | 141 |
| Architectural Design. | #48 | $53,665 | — | 36 |
| Funeral Direction/Service. | #3 | $47,058 | — | 21 |
| Nutrition Sciences.Small sample | #25 | $46,529 | — | 12 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.Small sample | #90 | $41,565 | — | 16 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #165 | $40,396 | $22,208 | 73 |
| Court Interpreter.Small sample | #10 | $39,092 | — | 10 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | #34 | $30,409 | — | 21 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture.Small sample | #42 | $27,862 | — | 15 |
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.
