Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor vary significantly by field of study, with median earnings ranging from $47,288 in Biology to $135,625 in Artificial Intelligence. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 61 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale.
#5 nationally
$98K median earnings
Earnings outcomes vary substantially across University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor programs, ranging from $47,288 in Biology to $135,625 in Artificial Intelligence. STEM and business programs generally deliver higher earnings, while social sciences and biological sciences show more moderate outcomes reflecting diverse career paths including graduate school preparation. The Engineering & Technology and Business & Economics tables provide detailed earnings comparisons.
Several University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor programs achieve top national rankings across disciplines. The engineering and technology category includes Artificial Intelligence (#5 nationally), while business programs feature Business Administration (#3 nationally). Sciences include Algebra and Number Theory (#11) and Biochemistry (#12), demonstrating research university strength. Review the Engineering & Technology and Business & Economics tables below for comprehensive ranking and outcome data.
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Engineering programs at University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence ranking #5 nationally and delivering median earnings of $135,625. Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering also show strong performance, with graduates earning over $90,000 annually.
These programs attract large cohorts, with AI enrolling 930 students, indicating both student demand and employer recognition. Best suited for students prioritizing high-return technical careers with strong job market prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #5 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, measuring actual earnings and debt levels of graduates rather than institutional reputation or input measures. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment, while debt figures show typical borrowing levels for degree completion. Rankings compare programs against all similar programs nationwide, providing objective performance measurement. University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers 20 programs with sufficient federal data for analysis, representing a sample of available majors rather than comprehensive program listings. Students should consider these outcomes alongside program fit, career interests, and post-graduation plans, recognizing that individual results will vary based on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings outcomes with debt levels to measure return on investment across programs. Business Administration achieves a 99.4 value score with strong earnings and moderate debt, while Exercise Science and Communication programs also demonstrate exceptional value. The value score methodology accounts for both income potential and debt burden, providing comprehensive program assessment beyond earnings alone.
Loan affordability varies significantly by program field. Computer Science and Engineering programs achieve Excellent affordability ratings with payments under 8% of discretionary income, while Psychology and Biological Sciences programs rate Good with payments between 8-12% of discretionary income. All programs achieve standard payoff timelines under 10 years with no negative amortization risks.
| $135,625★ |
| $50,512 |
| 930 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #29 | $107,608 | — | 97 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #9 | $99,659 | $66,664 | 167 |
| Computer Graphics. | #2 | $98,117 | — | 118 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #46 | $97,459 | — | 99 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #2 | $97,263 | $30,000 | 132 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #20 | $94,917 | $58,067 | 184 |
| Nuclear Engineering. | #2 | $92,072 | — | 20 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #41 | $92,027 | — | 113 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #40 | $91,187 | $49,749 | 289 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #35 | $85,123 | — | 40 |
| Materials Engineering. | #12 | $84,790 | — | 47 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #46 | $84,138 | — | 98 |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. | #5 | $80,267 | — | 27 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #12 | $73,669 | — | 34 |
Business Administration ranks #3 nationally with graduates earning $116,095, while Applied Economics ranks #49 nationally with $87,800 median earnings. Both programs enroll substantial cohorts of nearly 600 students each, reflecting strong institutional capacity and student interest.
The business program achieves a 99.4 value score, indicating exceptional return relative to debt. These programs excel for students seeking versatile business skills with strong earnings potential across industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #3 | $116,095★ | $47,104 | 596 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #3 | $92,289 | — | 46 |
Adult Health Nursing produces graduates earning $72,474, though with relatively high debt levels and lower value scores compared to other programs. The program ranks #255 nationally, indicating competitive challenges within the nursing field.
Health programs often require additional consideration of career satisfaction, job security, and service orientation beyond pure financial metrics. Suitable for students committed to healthcare careers with understanding of the financial trade-offs involved.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #263 | $72,474★ | $58,021 | 143 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #22 | $51,853 | — | 37 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #90 | $36,181 | — | 82 |
Mathematics (Algebra and Number Theory) delivers strong earnings of $97,139, ranking #11 nationally, while biological sciences show more modest outcomes. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ranks #12 nationally with graduates earning $54,057, and general Biology produces $47,288 earnings.
The wide range reflects varying career paths, from high-earning quantitative roles to pre-professional preparation. Best for students with clear post-graduation plans in their chosen scientific discipline.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #6 | $98,758★ | — | 72 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #11 | $97,139 | — | 215 |
| Acoustics. | #12 | $73,202 | — | 51 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #11 | $54,275 | $42,500 | 188 |
| Anatomy. | #11 | $54,072 | — | 47 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #13 | $54,057 | $23,318 | 233 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #32 | $52,374 | — | 37 |
| Biology, General. | #194 | $47,288 | — | 178 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #162 | $38,289 | — | 30 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #30 | $31,865 | — | 47 |
| Immunology. | #57 | $16,169 | — | 47 |
Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience) ranks #8 nationally with earnings of $51,924, while Political Science produces $65,311. These programs demonstrate University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor's strength in social sciences, with national recognition and solid career outcomes.
The relatively moderate earnings reflect diverse career paths including graduate school preparation and public service. Well-suited for students planning advanced degrees or careers prioritizing social impact over maximum earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #49 | $87,800★ | $71,716 | 586 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #4 | $76,823 | — | 77 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #47 | $65,311 | $55,834 | 320 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #42 | $52,288 | — | 139 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #8 | $51,924 | $48,750 | 727 |
| Anthropology, General. | #10 | $46,678 | — | 71 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #11 nationally with graduates earning $66,507, achieving a strong 96.1 value score. The program enrolls 242 students and demonstrates excellent outcomes relative to typical communications programs nationwide.
This represents strong preparation for media, marketing, and corporate communications roles. Well-suited for students seeking creative and strategic communication careers with competitive earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #13 | $66,507 | $44,522 | 242 |
Limited data available for traditional humanities programs, though outcomes vary significantly by specific field and career path. Students in these disciplines often pursue graduate education or careers where earnings may not fully reflect value created.
Programs in this category typically emphasize critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding. Best suited for students with specific passion for these fields and realistic expectations about earnings trajectories.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #7 | $63,360★ | — | 36 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #11 | $58,154 | — | 126 |
| American History (United States). | #27 | $53,492 | — | 123 |
| General Studies. | #44 | $52,263 | — | 68 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #11 | $50,285 | — | 41 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #9 | $49,529 | $39,676 | 152 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #50 | $48,367 | — | 124 |
| Danish Language and Literature. | #2 | $47,834 | — | 43 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #8 | $46,789 | — | 74 |
| Creative Writing. | #33 | $40,555 | — | 36 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other.Small sample | #6 | $34,175 | — | 10 |
| Brass Instruments. | #138 | $23,824 | — | 81 |
| Acting. | #127 | $23,350 | — | 62 |
| Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $20,140 | — | 7 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 46K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #91 | $45,900 | — | 61 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #12 | $52,391 | $17,980 | 130 |
International/Globalization Studies ranks #3 nationally with graduates earning $62,313, while Exercise Science ranks #3 nationally with $68,944 earnings. These specialized programs demonstrate University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor's strength in emerging and interdisciplinary fields.
Both achieve exceptional national rankings and strong value scores. Best for students with specific career interests that align with these focused academic programs and global career aspirations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #3 | $84,867★ | — | 47 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #3 | $68,944 | $51,876 | 270 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #3 | $62,313 | $40,462 | 227 |
| Architectural Design. | #13 | $60,947 | — | 70 |
| African Studies. | #18 | $56,039 | — | 55 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #18 | $45,213 | — | 57 |
| Cognitive Science, General. | #12 | $44,698 | — | 75 |
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.
