Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Kentucky vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from education programs around $40,000 to health and engineering programs exceeding $80,000. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 68 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface University of Kentucky programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#1 nationally
$94K 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 enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Kentucky.
Engineering programs deliver strong outcomes with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $81,498 and ranking #117 nationally. Artificial Intelligence produces graduates earning $81,070 with smaller cohorts of 113 students.
Chemical Engineering graduates earn $74,477 but show lower value scores, suggesting higher debt relative to outcomes. These programs offer excellent career prospects for students seeking technical fields with strong earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and Mineral Engineering.Small sample | #3 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or prestige. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 4-6 years after completion, with cohort sizes indicating the number of graduates included in each calculation. Rankings compare programs nationally within their specific field, while value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Students should consider that outcomes vary based on individual career choices, geographic location, and industry conditions. Programs with smaller cohort sizes may show more variation in outcomes, while larger programs provide more stable earnings projections. This data helps students understand typical outcomes but cannot predict individual results.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $92,315★ |
| — |
| 18 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #77 | $91,268 | — | 53 |
| Agricultural Engineering. | #3 | $84,831 | — | 24 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #166 | $84,222 | — | 43 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #119 | $81,498 | $30,000 | 173 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #94 | $81,070 | $26,513 | 113 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #125 | $74,477 | — | 96 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #151 | $66,429 | — | 75 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #51 | $49,165 | — | 61 |
Business programs represent University of Kentucky's largest enrollment area with strong outcomes across specializations. Banking and Financial Support Services leads with graduates earning $71,215 and ranking #64 nationally.
Accounting Technology produces graduates earning $67,805, while general Business/Commerce ranks #24 nationally with graduates earning $59,354. Digital Marketing enrolls the most students with 329 graduates earning $58,361.
These programs combine accessible admission with solid career outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #63 | $71,215★ | $32,004 | 266 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #103 | $67,805 | $33,018 | 193 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #35 | $64,921 | $46,585 | 84 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #26 | $59,354 | $40,876 | 320 |
| Digital Marketing. | #102 | $58,361 | $45,115 | 329 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | #72 | $40,953 | — | 19 |
Health programs at University of Kentucky demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with Health Services ranking #1 nationally and producing graduates earning $94,455. Adult Health Nursing shows strong enrollment with 298 graduates earning $61,655, though ranking lower nationally at #250.
These programs represent University of Kentucky's strongest earning potential and reflect growing demand in healthcare fields. Students pursuing health careers can expect excellent return on investment, particularly in specialized health services roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #1 🏆 | $94,455★ | — | 86 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #264 | $61,655 | $29,850 | 298 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #33 | $60,526 | — | 36 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #65 | $52,715 | — | 53 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #73 | $46,477 | $59,768 | 50 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #97 | $36,957 | $35,101 | 74 |
Sciences programs show moderate outcomes with Biology graduates earning $44,651 from a substantial cohort of 241 students. The program ranks #203 nationally, suggesting competitive pressure in biological sciences fields.
Students should consider that science programs often serve as preparation for graduate study, with 23.8% of University of Kentucky graduates continuing to advanced education. These programs provide strong foundation for students pursuing healthcare or research careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #129 | $55,698★ | — | 54 |
| Applied Mathematics, General.Small sample | #35 | $46,087 | — | 16 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #110 | $44,933 | — | 47 |
| Biology, General. | #207 | $44,651 | $38,168 | 241 |
| Biotechnology. | #8 | $43,719 | — | 38 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #57 | $33,030 | — | 80 |
Social sciences programs show varied outcomes with Psychology graduates earning $41,186 from large cohorts of 268 students, though ranking #233 nationally. American Government and Politics graduates earn $48,326 with moderate enrollment.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study or public service careers where earnings may grow significantly over time. Students should consider long-term career trajectories when evaluating these fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #178 | $55,856★ | $26,415 | 75 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #164 | $48,326 | $33,600 | 130 |
| Psychology, General. | #238 | $41,186 | $40,115 | 268 |
| Anthropology, General. | #44 | $41,175 | — | 24 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #173 | $38,817 | $25,809 | 59 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | #83 | $37,208 | — | 11 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #261 | $33,360 | — | 35 |
Communications programs demonstrate solid performance with Advertising ranking #36 nationally and graduates earning $51,501, though from smaller cohorts of 153 students. Communication and Media Studies produces 236 graduates earning $46,390, representing one of the larger programs in this field.
These programs serve students seeking careers in media, marketing, and corporate communications with moderate earning potential and creative career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #39 | $51,501★ | $50,630 | 153 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #161 | $46,390 | $48,271 | 236 |
| Broadcast Journalism. | #104 | $38,624 | $44,000 | 53 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | #59 | $37,276 | — | 34 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 35K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #80 | $50,177★ | — | 23 |
| American History (United States). | #166 | $44,098 | $40,743 | 66 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #120 | $42,349 | — | 26 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #198 | $38,706 | $27,221 | 92 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, General. | #7 | $38,471 | — | 26 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #160 | $34,048 | — | 31 |
| General Studies. | #173 | $33,700 | — | 87 |
| Brass Instruments. | #134 | $29,851 | — | 26 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #93 | $28,598 | — | 13 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #77 | $27,449 | — | 37 |
| Digital Arts. | #25 | $26,343 | — | 49 |
| Acting. | #111 | $25,690 | — | 22 |
Education programs serve students seeking teaching careers with Agricultural Teacher Education ranking #47 nationally and graduates earning $42,393 from substantial cohorts of 282 students. Adult and Continuing Education shows lower earnings at $39,718 with smaller cohorts.
These programs prioritize public service over high earnings, with graduates typically entering stable careers in education and community development. Students should consider the intrinsic rewards and job security alongside moderate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #56 | $44,843★ | — | 22 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #54 | $42,393 | $30,013 | 282 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #168 | $39,718 | $26,000 | 139 |
Agriculture & Environment graduates earn 44K on average, with 3 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #45 | $49,007★ | — | 42 |
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management.Small sample | #18 | $47,702 | — | 14 |
| Agricultural Production Operations, General. | #2 | $45,747 | — | 80 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #50 | $43,515 | $71,670 | 60 |
| Agricultural Communication/Journalism. | #6 | $43,042 | — | 39 |
| Environmental Science. | #109 | $41,149 | — | 70 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.Small sample | — | $39,729 | — | 6 |
| Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other. | #2 | $39,657 | — | 27 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 44K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape Architecture.Small sample | #15 | $52,841★ | — | 15 |
| Architectural Design. | #49 | $50,683 | — | 36 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #6 | $49,782 | — | 57 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #30 | $46,631 | — | 42 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacture. | #28 | $41,502 | $46,782 | 54 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | #25 | $33,905 | — | 37 |
| Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program. | #21 | $29,529 | — | 34 |
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.
