Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Chicago vary significantly by field of study, ranging from Computer Science graduates earning $175,145 to Applied Behavior Analysis graduates earning $32,925. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 21 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings performance, national rankings, and substantial enrollment.
#9 nationally
$86K median earnings
Computer Science produces the highest median earnings at $175,145, followed by Applied Economics at $127,832 and Algebra and Number Theory at $107,611. Technical and quantitative programs generally outperform humanities and social sciences in immediate post-graduation earnings. However, programs like Education Policy Analysis ($85,597) and American Government and Politics ($78,986) demonstrate strong outcomes in policy-focused fields.
Multiple programs achieve top-10 national rankings, demonstrating University of Chicago's excellence across disciplines. Applied Economics leads with #2 national ranking and exceptional enrollment, while Computer Science ranks #9 nationally in its field. Education Policy Analysis, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Applied and Professional Ethics all achieve top-6 national rankings with strong value scores. These rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes rather than academic reputation, providing employment-focused evaluation of program quality.
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 enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Chicago.
Computer Science stands as University of Chicago's highest-earning program at $175,145 median earnings, ranking #9 nationally and #1 in Illinois. This single technical program demonstrates exceptional market value with a 95.6 value score, though it represents a smaller share of total enrollment.
Students pursuing this path typically achieve outstanding return on investment and rapid career advancement in competitive technology markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #9 | $175,145 |
Program outcomes vary significantly within institutions due to different labor market demands, career preparation approaches, and student self-selection patterns. Rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and employment outcomes rather than academic prestige or faculty reputation. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 6-10 years after enrollment, requiring minimum cohort sizes for statistical reliability. Earnings represent median outcomes for degree completers entering the workforce, not including those pursuing immediate graduate study. Value scores combine earnings outcomes with educational investment costs, providing return-on-investment perspective beyond raw salary figures. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and long-term professional aspirations when selecting academic programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with educational costs, highlighting return on investment. Applied Economics achieves the highest value score of 99.5, while American Government and Politics scores 98.0 and Algebra and Number Theory reaches 97.6. These scores indicate programs delivering exceptional outcomes relative to educational investment, providing guidance for students prioritizing financial returns alongside academic interests.
All programs demonstrate excellent loan affordability with payments under 8% of discretionary income. Computer Science and Applied Economics provide the strongest debt capacity due to high earnings, while even lower-earning programs like Biology maintain manageable repayment scenarios. Standard 10-year payoff timelines apply across programs with no negative amortization risk under income-driven repayment plans.
| 93 |
Mathematics programs show varied outcomes, with Algebra and Number Theory producing $107,611 earnings and ranking #6 nationally, while Mathematical Statistics graduates earn $68,499. Biology, General graduates earn $52,065 despite strong #82 national ranking.
This group demonstrates how specialized mathematical fields outperform traditional life sciences in earnings potential, best suited for students prioritizing quantitative analysis over laboratory research.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #6 | $107,611★ | — | 159 |
| Acoustics. | #4 | $81,076 | — | 63 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #20 | $68,499 | — | 76 |
| Biology, General. | #83 | $52,065 | — | 147 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #51 | $37,246 | — | 61 |
American Government and Politics delivers strong $78,986 earnings with #7 national ranking, while Applied Sociology produces more modest $48,432 outcomes. Behavioral Neuroscience achieves $65,966 earnings with #4 national ranking and exceptional 94.0 value score.
This diverse group shows significant variation, with policy-focused programs generally outperforming traditional sociology tracks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #2 | $127,832★ | — | 423 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #2 | $85,597 | — | 129 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #7 | $78,986 | — | 106 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #4 | $65,966 | — | 78 |
| International Relations and Affairs.Small sample | #34 | $61,202 | — | 17 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #116 | $48,432 | — | 31 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | #18 | $32,925 | — | 41 |
| Anthropology, General. | #113 | $31,670 | — | 20 |
American History stands out with $65,148 earnings and #12 national ranking, while English Language and Literature produces $39,095 outcomes despite broader enrollment. Applied and Professional Ethics achieves $55,143 earnings with exceptional #6 national ranking and 93.3 value score.
These programs emphasize intellectual development and critical thinking, best suited for students planning graduate study or careers valuing analytical skills over immediate earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #12 | $65,148★ | — | 72 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #6 | $55,143 | — | 70 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #15 | $52,107 | — | 28 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #114 | $42,682 | — | 22 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #192 | $39,095 | — | 59 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other.Small sample | #4 | $38,289 | — | 12 |
| General Studies.Small sample | #195 | $28,960 | — | 19 |
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.
