Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Swarthmore College vary significantly by field of study, with technical programs like Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics delivering exceptional earnings while liberal arts programs serve different career pathways. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, national rankings, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 6 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase Swarthmore's programs that excel across earnings potential, national recognition, and enrollment strength.
#3 nationally
$158K 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 graduate earnings, national rankings, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Swarthmore College.
Swarthmore's Artificial Intelligence program stands out nationally, ranking #3 and delivering exceptional $157,852 median earnings with 65 graduates annually. This program represents the institution's highest-earning field and demonstrates top-tier value with a 99.0 score.
Students pursuing this path typically benefit from strong technical preparation and access to high-growth career opportunities in technology and data science fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #3 | $157,852 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on Department of Education College Scorecard data, not institutional reputation or academic prestige. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for graduates with sufficient data (typically 10+ graduates annually). Rankings compare outcomes across similar programs at all U.S. four-year institutions, showing how each program performs relative to the same major elsewhere. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to assess overall return on investment. Students should consider that career outcomes depend on individual choices, economic conditions, and career development beyond the degree itself. The sample represents programs with sufficient federal data for reliable analysis—additional programs may be available but lack adequate outcome tracking for inclusion.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 65 |
This group shows dramatic variation in outcomes, from Algebra and Number Theory ranking #4 nationally with $125,015 earnings to Biology earning $25,194. Mathematics programs deliver exceptional returns with small cohorts of 35 students, while Biology serves pre-professional pathways with different career trajectories.
Students should carefully consider intended career paths when choosing between theoretical mathematics and biological sciences tracks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #3 | $125,015★ | — | 35 |
| Biology, General. | #368 | $25,194 | — | 39 |
Applied Economics and American Government programs both achieve top national rankings with strong earnings outcomes. Applied Economics ranks #25 nationally producing $105,566 earnings with the largest cohort at 84 students, while American Government ranks #6 nationally with $80,009 earnings.
Both programs demonstrate exceptional value scores above 88, making this group well-suited for students interested in policy, research, and analytical career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #25 | $105,566★ | — | 84 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #5 | $80,009 | — | 39 |
Education graduates earn 43K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, Other.Small sample | #7 | $43,245 | — | 17 |
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.
