Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Kansas vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $43,397 in Psychology to $129,963 in Clinical and Industrial Drug Development. 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 after graduation.
Analyzing 52 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at University of Kansas.
#1 nationally
$43K 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 levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Kansas.
Engineering programs deliver strong technical outcomes with Chemical Engineering graduates earning $82,447 and Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $79,635. Artificial Intelligence shows growing demand with 119 graduates earning $78,561 annually.
These programs combine rigorous technical training with practical application, suited for students seeking analytical challenges and STEM career advancement in growing technology sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #163 | $86,763 |
Program outcomes at the same institution vary significantly due to different career trajectories, industry demand, and educational pathways. High-earning programs like Clinical and Industrial Drug Development reflect specialized healthcare roles, while lower-earning programs like Psychology often prepare students for graduate study or public service careers. Rankings reflect labor market results measured through Department of Education data, not academic prestige or program quality. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger cohorts providing more confidence in reported outcomes. Students should consider these outcomes alongside personal interests, career goals, and graduate school plans when selecting academic programs. Earnings represent median outcomes for graduates working full-time, measured ten years after initial enrollment, and exclude those pursuing advanced degrees or not participating in the workforce.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 25 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #63 | $82,447 | $16,241 | 90 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #181 | $79,635 | $41,494 | 118 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #124 | $78,561 | $24,500 | 119 |
| Architectural Engineering. | #8 | $76,353 | — | 34 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #106 | $76,320 | $31,676 | 56 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | #16 | $72,619 | — | 29 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #53 | $57,318 | — | 43 |
Business programs show consistent strength across multiple specializations, with Business Administration graduates earning $77,588 and ranking #58 nationally. Digital Marketing ranks #35 nationally with $67,616 earnings, while Banking and Financial Support Services produces $66,001 median earnings.
This group offers diverse career pathways from corporate management to financial services, appealing to students prioritizing versatile skill development and market-responsive curricula.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #56 | $77,588★ | $42,356 | 103 |
| Information Resources Management. | #67 | $71,526 | $49,492 | 41 |
| Digital Marketing. | #35 | $67,616 | $38,359 | 180 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #110 | $66,001 | $33,406 | 228 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #119 | $64,135 | $28,433 | 164 |
| Actuarial Science. | #49 | $62,993 | — | 68 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #19 | $60,067 | $25,314 | 122 |
Health programs at University of Kansas demonstrate exceptional performance, led by Clinical and Industrial Drug Development which ranks #1 nationally with median earnings of $129,963. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces strong outcomes at $68,800 with substantial enrollment of 192 graduates.
These programs combine clinical training with research opportunities, creating pathways for students seeking healthcare careers with strong earning potential and job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Industrial Drug Development. | #1 🏆 | $129,963★ | $28,077 | 126 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #179 | $68,800 | — | 192 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy.Small sample | #4 | $66,630 | — | 13 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #34 | $59,399 | — | 42 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #76 | $55,393 | $54,602 | 57 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling. | #11 | $44,853 | — | 24 |
Sciences programs provide foundational preparation with Biology graduates earning $49,093, typically serving as preparation for advanced study or healthcare careers. These programs emphasize research experience and analytical thinking, well-suited for students planning graduate school continuation or careers requiring strong scientific reasoning and laboratory skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #144 | $49,093★ | $26,155 | 161 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #78 | $41,626 | — | 21 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #149 | $41,193 | — | 31 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #201 | $39,927 | — | 50 |
| Immunology. | #46 | $33,993 | — | 37 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #88 | $31,848 | — | 54 |
Social sciences programs show moderate earnings with Psychology graduates earning $43,397 and American Government and Politics graduates earning $56,303. Applied Economics graduates earn $53,664 despite higher debt levels.
This group serves students interested in human behavior, public service, and policy analysis, often providing preparation for graduate study or public sector careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #161 | $56,303★ | $62,163 | 112 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #15 | $55,797 | — | 21 |
| Applied Economics. | #217 | $53,664 | $59,556 | 121 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #75 | $52,185 | — | 28 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #147 | $44,136 | $40,139 | 60 |
| Psychology, General. | #187 | $43,397 | $35,317 | 252 |
| Anthropology, General. | #143 | $23,803 | — | 29 |
Communications programs demonstrate strong performance with Broadcast Journalism ranking #6 nationally and producing 243 graduates earning $54,736. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $52,304 with solid enrollment.
This group excels in developing practical skills for media industries, ideal for students seeking creative careers with measurable career outcomes in evolving communication landscapes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Journalism. | #6 | $54,736★ | $37,010 | 243 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #93 | $52,304 | $35,744 | 131 |
Commercial Photography. leads humanities & arts with 51K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #27 | $50,894★ | $26,616 | 78 |
| General Studies. | #131 | $44,562 | $31,949 | 109 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #107 | $42,135 | — | 51 |
| American History (United States). | #195 | $39,942 | $36,410 | 67 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #290 | $37,147 | $74,847 | 81 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #66 | $30,786 | $31,185 | 61 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #225 | $25,999 | — | 39 |
| Acting. | #136 | $23,856 | — | 23 |
Agricultural Teacher Education. leads education with 47K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #90 | $47,299★ | — | 28 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #149 | $44,282 | $51,110 | 109 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 27K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #157 | $26,585 | $34,099 | 47 |
Interdisciplinary programs like Exercise Science and Kinesiology rank #15 nationally with graduates earning $57,522, demonstrating strong performance in specialized fields. These programs combine multiple academic perspectives, suited for students seeking integrative approaches to health, fitness, and human performance careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #15 | $57,522★ | $35,727 | 180 |
| Behavioral Sciences. | #1 🏆 | $42,992 | $41,982 | 96 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #35 | $38,972 | — | 28 |
| African Studies. | #56 | $31,851 | — | 25 |
| Human Biology. | #9 | $28,598 | $49,878 | 62 |
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.
