Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Tufts University vary significantly by field of study, ranging from Computer Science graduates earning $139,886 to English majors earning $38,289. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and assess which pathways align with your career goals and financial expectations.
Analyzing 27 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Tufts.
#25 nationally
$56K 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 capacity, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Tufts University.
Engineering & Technology at Tufts delivers solid mid-career earnings with Computer Science leading at $139,886 nationally ranked #26, while Mechanical Engineering produces $83,448 with more modest national positioning at #139. These programs demonstrate the significant variation within technical fields, with computer-focused tracks substantially outperforming traditional engineering.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing technical skills and strong earning potential, particularly in software and technology sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #25 | $139,886★ |
Programs at the same institution produce different earnings outcomes due to varying industry demand, career trajectory differences, and graduate school continuation rates. Computer Science and quantitative fields typically command higher starting salaries and faster earnings growth, while humanities and social sciences may emphasize graduate study preparation or public service careers with different compensation structures. Rankings reflect labor market results based on federal College Scorecard data, requiring minimum cohort sizes of 10 graduates to ensure statistical reliability. These outcomes represent graduates who entered the workforce directly rather than those pursuing advanced degrees, which may affect apparent performance for pre-professional programs. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion data to assess overall program return on investment relative to national benchmarks.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 194 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering.Small sample | #74 | $102,976 | — | 19 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #34 | $97,631 | — | 28 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #140 | $83,448 | — | 45 |
| Civil Engineering, General.Small sample | #172 | $63,005 | — | 15 |
Health programs are represented by Behavioral Aspects of Health, ranking #14 nationally with earnings of $63,446 from a focused cohort of 63 graduates. This specialized program demonstrates Tufts' strength in interdisciplinary health approaches, combining behavioral science with public health applications.
Students pursuing this track typically seek careers in health policy, research, or graduate study in health-related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #14 | $63,446 | — | 63 |
Sciences & Mathematics show impressive range from Algebra and Number Theory at #12 nationally earning $110,512, to Biology General earning $63,185 despite ranking #16 nationally. Mathematics programs significantly outperform life sciences in earnings, reflecting different career trajectories and industry demand.
This group suits students interested in quantitative analysis or pre-professional tracks, with mathematics offering stronger immediate earning potential than traditional pre-medical pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #12 | $110,512★ | — | 42 |
| Biology, General. | #18 | $63,185 | — | 152 |
Social Sciences & Policy programs showcase exceptional breadth with International Relations ranking #8 nationally and #1 in Massachusetts, producing $71,732 earnings from 160 graduates. American Government and Politics and Applied Sociology round out offerings with solid national rankings.
These programs leverage Tufts' proximity to Boston's policy networks and international organizations, making them ideal for students seeking careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, or public service.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #21 | $105,444★ | — | 172 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #8 | $71,732 | — | 160 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #43 | $65,957 | — | 82 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #45 | $55,693 | — | 41 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #21 | $43,798 | — | 67 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | #17 | $35,806 | — | 30 |
Humanities & Arts demonstrate significant earning variation from Cinematography ranking #2 nationally with $56,418 earnings to English Literature at $38,289 with #186 national ranking. The arts programs like Film Production show exceptional national positioning despite smaller cohorts, while traditional humanities face more challenging career markets.
This group serves students prioritizing intellectual exploration and creative expression, with some programs offering surprisingly strong career prospects in specialized fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #2 | $56,418★ | — | 37 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #66 | $45,500 | — | 56 |
| American History (United States). | #187 | $39,369 | — | 43 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #195 | $38,289 | — | 51 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #131 | $35,435 | — | 37 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #90 | $26,739 | — | 17 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #99 | $41,937 | — | 38 |
Other & Interdisciplinary studies include innovative programs like Biopsychology earning $45,640 and Cognitive Science at $39,369, reflecting Tufts' commitment to cross-disciplinary education. These programs often prepare students for graduate study or emerging career fields that don't fit traditional departmental boundaries.
Students pursuing this path typically seek intellectual flexibility and preparation for rapidly evolving professional landscapes requiring interdisciplinary thinking.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Computer Interaction. | #3 | $69,732★ | — | 28 |
| African Studies. | #24 | $54,435 | — | 30 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #11 | $52,337 | — | 26 |
| Biopsychology. | — | $45,640 | — | 51 |
| Cognitive Science, General. | #13 | $39,369 | — | 51 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.Small sample | #8 | $28,598 | — | 11 |
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.
