Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Louisiana at Monroe vary significantly by field of study, ranging from exceptional earnings in clinical specialties to moderate returns in liberal arts fields. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment records rather than institutional marketing materials.
Analyzing 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in earnings, national rankings, or specialized career preparation.
#2 nationally
$130K median earnings
Clinical and Industrial Drug Development leads earnings at $129,775, followed by Adult Health Nurse/Nursing at $69,355. Technical programs including Computer Science ($59,124) and specialized health fields create the strongest financial returns. Traditional liberal arts and education programs produce more moderate earnings, typically ranging from $37,000 to $47,000, reflecting career paths that prioritize service and personal fulfillment over maximum compensation.
ULM's highest-ranked programs concentrate in health sciences and specialized professional preparation fields. Clinical and Industrial Drug Development achieves #3 national ranking with exceptional graduate earnings, while Health Professions programs rank #18 nationally. Insurance studies rank #11 nationally, and Construction Management reaches #30, demonstrating strength in focused professional preparation rather than broad liberal arts offerings.
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 ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Louisiana At Monroe.
Computer Science represents ULM's primary technology offering, producing graduates earning $59,124 with moderate national ranking performance. While not reaching the exceptional levels of top-tier computer science programs, ULM's affordable costs create reasonable value propositions for students seeking technical careers without excessive debt.
This program suits students who prioritize accessible admission standards and manageable costs over prestigious rankings while still accessing growing technology employment opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #182 | $59,124 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than institutional prestige or faculty credentials. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates employed four years after completion, providing objective measurement of career results across institutions nationwide. Rankings compare programs within their specific field rather than across all majors, recognizing that career expectations vary significantly between disciplines like nursing and liberal arts. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger programs generally providing more stable earnings estimates. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates into single measures, helping identify programs that deliver strong returns on educational investment regardless of absolute earnings levels.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Programs with highest value scores combine strong earnings with manageable debt levels and reliable job placement. Clinical and Industrial Drug Development achieves a value score of 75.0, while General Studies and Adult Health Nursing score above 52. Value analysis favors programs that provide clear career preparation pathways while maintaining ULM's affordable cost structure.
Health professions demonstrate excellent loan affordability with debt-to-income ratios supporting standard 10-year repayment schedules. Clinical and Industrial Drug Development and Adult Health Nursing graduates can comfortably manage typical debt loads, while liberal arts fields like Psychology and Communications face more challenging repayment scenarios requiring income-driven payment plans.
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Business programs show mixed performance with Construction Management earning $51,273 and ranking #30 nationally, while traditional Business Administration produces more modest earnings of $44,361. Insurance studies rank #11 nationally with graduates earning $49,294, reflecting specialized career preparation.
These programs work best for students seeking professional credentials with moderate debt levels, though earnings potential varies significantly based on specialization and career path choices.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #178 | $61,900★ | — | 24 |
| Construction Management, General. | #34 | $51,273 | — | 34 |
| Insurance. | #11 | $49,294 | — | 29 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #322 | $44,361 | — | 84 |
| Digital Marketing. | #214 | $38,289 | — | 24 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services.Small sample | — | $32,925 | — | 8 |
Health programs lead ULM's earnings outcomes with Clinical and Industrial Drug Development ranking #3 nationally and producing graduates earning $129,775. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $69,355 with strong employment prospects, while specialized programs like Dental Assisting and Blood Bank Technology provide focused training for specific healthcare roles.
These programs combine ULM's affordable costs with professional preparation that commands premium wages in Louisiana's growing healthcare sector, making them ideal for students prioritizing strong return on investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Industrial Drug Development. | #2 | $129,775★ | — | 73 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #135 | $69,355 | $5,476 | 116 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #16 | $60,229 | — | 25 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #48 | $55,964 | — | 24 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #53 | $54,502 | — | 36 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #121 | $42,944 | — | 27 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #18 | $39,079 | — | 44 |
Biology represents the primary science offering with graduates earning $47,426, ranking #222 nationally but #5 within Louisiana. The program serves students preparing for graduate study continuation, with approximately 26% of ULM graduates pursuing advanced education.
Science programs provide solid foundation for pre-professional tracks and graduate school preparation, though immediate earnings lag behind technical and health specialties offered at the university.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #223 | $47,426★ | — | 47 |
| Environmental Toxicology. | #4 | $27,476 | — | 23 |
American Government and Politics (United States). leads social sciences & policy with 41K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States).Small sample | #282 | $40,703★ | — | 12 |
| Psychology, General. | #252 | $37,310 | $7,500 | 153 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #202 | $26,423 | — | 21 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $36,995, ranking #231 nationally but serving students interested in media, public relations, and related fields. The program reflects typical communications earnings patterns with moderate financial returns but valuable skills development for creative industries.
Students should view this field as preparation for careers emphasizing communication skills and creative problem-solving rather than high starting salaries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #241 | $36,995 | — | 44 |
General Studies ranks #87 nationally with graduates earning $44,375, representing solid preparation for diverse career paths and graduate school continuation. Psychology serves as ULM's largest program with 153 graduates earning $37,310, reflecting strong student demand despite moderate earnings outcomes.
These programs provide valuable liberal education foundation and critical thinking development, working best for students planning graduate study or careers prioritizing personal fulfillment over maximum starting salaries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #88 | $44,375★ | — | 68 |
| American History (United States). | #264 | $35,472 | — | 20 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #245 | $29,621 | — | 12 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #323 | $20,834 | — | 24 |
Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $40,098 with moderate national ranking performance, reflecting career paths typically focused on public service rather than maximum earnings. Education programs support students interested in community impact and lifelong learning facilitation, though graduates should expect earnings below ULM's institutional average.
These programs suit students prioritizing educational mission over financial returns while benefiting from affordable degree completion costs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #193 | $40,098 | — | 53 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology produces graduates earning $39,670, ranking #151 nationally and #3 within Louisiana, serving students interested in fitness, rehabilitation, and sports-related careers. The program combines health science preparation with practical application, though earnings remain moderate relative to clinical health specialties.
This field suits students passionate about physical wellness and athletic performance who value hands-on career preparation over maximum financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.Small sample | #51 | $43,834 | — | 16 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #172 | $39,814 | — | 39 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #152 | $39,670 | — | 74 |
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.
