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 53 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at University of Kansas.
recent graduates
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering.Small sample | — | $113,339★ |
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
| — |
| 7 |
| Petroleum Engineering.Small sample | — | $97,527 | — | 13 |
| Chemical Engineering. | — | $93,391 | $16,241 | 62 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering. | — | $92,335 | — | 42 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $92,008 | $24,500 | 143 |
| Civil Engineering. | — | $89,087 | $31,676 | 60 |
| Architectural Engineering. | — | $84,319 | — | 33 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | — | $82,934 | $41,494 | 95 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | — | $69,338 | — | 21 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | — | $107,635★ | — | 106 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $87,704 | $49,492 | 38 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $86,453 | $33,406 | 209 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $84,736 | $28,433 | 173 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $77,725 | $42,356 | 116 |
| Marketing. | — | $70,404 | $38,359 | 178 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | — | $68,572 | $25,314 | 140 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | — | $125,384★ | $28,077 | 130 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $78,601 | — | 196 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.Small sample | — | $70,157 | — | 11 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $59,436 | — | 57 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | — | $57,252 | — | 22 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Small sample | — | $53,864 | $54,602 | 19 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | — | $81,568★ | — | 79 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. | — | $65,861 | — | 42 |
| Mathematics. | — | $64,905 | — | 57 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $61,838 | — | 10 |
| Biology, General. | — | $61,561 | $26,155 | 81 |
| Chemistry. | — | $41,193 | — | 24 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $69,084★ | $59,556 | 54 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $61,839 | $62,163 | 123 |
| Social Work. | — | $55,582 | $40,139 | 65 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $55,329 | $35,317 | 281 |
| Sociology. | — | $48,146 | — | 29 |
| Public Administration.Small sample | — | $40,647 | — | 12 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $23,803 | — | 12 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism. | — | $62,394★ | $37,010 | 217 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $60,258 | $35,744 | 120 |
Design and Applied Arts. leads humanities & arts with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | — | $59,441★ | $26,616 | 74 |
| History. | — | $58,936 | $36,410 | 38 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | — | $58,777 | $31,949 | 87 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $46,464 | $74,847 | 76 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | — | $41,191 | $31,185 | 50 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $38,355 | — | 43 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | — | $31,127 | — | 50 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $22,192 | — | 24 |
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. leads education with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $52,106★ | — | 36 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $50,434 | $51,110 | 123 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 55K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $54,687 | $34,099 | 46 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Biology. | — | $70,399★ | $49,878 | 82 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $62,876 | $35,727 | 193 |
| Behavioral Sciences. | — | $58,883 | $41,982 | 58 |
| Area Studies.Small sample | — | $31,851 | — | 18 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | — | $20,596 | — | 42 |
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.
