Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University Of Houston-Downtown vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $32,182 in English to $78,762 in Artificial Intelligence. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align with career goals.
Analyzing 31 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for strong national rankings, exceptional value scores, or significant enrollment numbers.
#99 nationally
$68K 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 and state rankings, debt levels, and cohort sizes.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Houston-Downtown.
This group features University Of Houston-Downtown's highest-earning program, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning $78,762 and ranking #98 nationally. The program combines strong earnings potential with manageable debt levels, achieving excellent affordability ratings for loan repayment.
Computer science and technology programs at the university benefit from Houston's robust tech economy and industry partnerships. Students pursuing this path typically find excellent career prospects with earnings well above institutional averages.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #99 |
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, measuring graduate earnings and employment rates rather than academic reputation or faculty quality. Earnings represent median income of graduates who borrowed federal student loans, typically 10 years after initial enrollment. Rankings compare outcomes among all institutions offering similar programs nationally and within Texas. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and employment outcomes to assess return on investment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing higher confidence in reported outcomes. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting, ensuring data reliability while excluding very small programs that might show artificially inflated or deflated results.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $78,762★ |
| — |
| 106 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | #7 | $73,092 | — | 14 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | #5 | $68,499 | — | 11 |
| Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.Small sample | #10 | $63,064 | — | 19 |
Business programs represent University Of Houston-Downtown's largest academic cluster, with strong enrollment across Accounting, Management, and Finance specializations. Earnings range from $50,379 in International Business to $63,723 in Information Resources Management, with most programs achieving excellent affordability ratings.
Banking and Financial Services ranks #138 nationally while producing graduates earning $61,702. These programs are well-suited for students seeking practical career preparation with immediate workforce applications and strong regional employment opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #59 | $63,723★ | — | 70 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #140 | $61,702 | — | 140 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #106 | $60,344 | — | 252 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #187 | $60,148 | — | 174 |
| Digital Marketing. | #118 | $58,469 | — | 42 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #47 | $56,481 | — | 81 |
| International Business. | #44 | $50,379 | — | 42 |
Behavioral Aspects of Health represents the university's health program offerings, graduating 72 students with median earnings of $35,119. While earnings are lower than other fields, the program ranks #89 nationally and provides preparation for graduate study in health professions.
Students should consider this path primarily as preparation for advanced degrees rather than immediate workforce entry, with challenging affordability ratings reflecting the earnings-to-debt relationship.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #91 | $35,119 | — | 72 |
Geochemistry and Petrology. leads sciences & mathematics with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #50 | $50,894★ | — | 19 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #176 | $49,496 | — | 27 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #143 | $49,098 | — | 21 |
| Biology, General. | #334 | $40,680 | — | 31 |
Psychology General graduates 177 students annually with median earnings of $48,601, ranking #119 nationally and achieving good affordability ratings. Forensic Social Work, a specialized program with 56 graduates, earns $47,085 while ranking #60 nationally with strong value scores.
These programs appeal to students prioritizing service-oriented careers and graduate school preparation, with outcomes supporting both immediate workforce entry and advanced study pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | #122 | $48,601★ | — | 177 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #90 | $48,478 | — | 13 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #59 | $47,085 | — | 56 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #274 | $40,781 | — | 33 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods. | #41 | $39,707 | — | 22 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 82 students annually with median earnings of $48,488, ranking #80 nationally and #4 in Texas. The program achieves good affordability ratings and strong value scores, making it accessible for students interested in media, public relations, and communication careers.
This field offers balanced outcomes between earnings potential and program accessibility, serving students seeking creative and professional communication roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #83 | $48,488 | — | 82 |
English Language and Literature produces graduates earning $32,182, representing the lowest earnings among tracked programs but still providing pathways to careers in education, writing, and communications. With 36 graduates annually, the program serves students prioritizing liberal arts education and graduate school preparation.
Students should view this path as foundational for advanced study rather than immediate high earnings, with challenging affordability ratings requiring careful financial planning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #68 | $51,915★ | — | 10 |
| Creative Writing.Small sample | #27 | $49,683 | — | 11 |
| American History (United States). | #129 | $49,634 | — | 34 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #285 | $32,182 | — | 36 |
| Digital Arts.Small sample | #35 | $21,782 | — | 15 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #107 | $16,478 | — | 11 |
Corrections Administration stands out as a flagship program, ranking #51 nationally and #2 in Texas while graduating 223 students with median earnings of $50,850. The program demonstrates exceptional value with a score of 73.8 and good affordability ratings for debt management.
This field particularly serves students interested in public service careers with stable employment prospects and opportunities for advancement within criminal justice systems.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #50 | $50,850 | — | 223 |
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies serves as University Of Houston-Downtown's largest program, graduating 741 students with median earnings of $53,235 and ranking #11 nationally. This program achieves exceptional value scores of 88.2 and excellent affordability ratings, making it the institution's flagship offering.
Biological and Physical Sciences, though smaller with 35 graduates, ranks #7 nationally while earning $50,413. These programs best serve students seeking flexible, customizable education with strong career outcomes and institutional support.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #13 | $53,235★ | — | 741 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | #9 | $50,413 | — | 35 |
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.
