Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Nevada-Las Vegas vary significantly by field of study, with median earnings ranging from $36,582 in Psychology to $86,618 in Adult Health Nursing. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal College Scorecard data.
Students should use this analysis to compare how different majors perform in the labor market rather than relying on reputation or prestige measures.
Analyzing 48 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface UNLV programs that stand out nationally for rankings, earnings performance, or enrollment strength.
#56 nationally
$44K 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 median earnings, national rank, debt levels, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Computer Science graduates earn $80,278 while Mechanical Engineering produces graduates earning $77,106, both reflecting strong market demand for technical skills. Computer Science ranks #122 nationally with solid placement, though Mechanical Engineering ranks #183 nationally.
These programs offer strong absolute earnings but face competitive national landscapes, making them best suited for students committed to technical excellence and career-long learning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #163 |
These rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic prestige or program reputation. Earnings differences occur because graduates enter different industries, pursue various career paths, and face distinct market conditions. Programs with higher earnings often require technical skills in high demand, while lower-earning programs may prepare students for graduate study or public service careers where initial salaries understate long-term value. Rankings use federal College Scorecard data, which tracks graduates 10 years after initial enrollment and requires minimum cohort sizes for inclusion. Students should consider program rankings alongside personal interests, career goals, and local market conditions when making educational decisions. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program effectiveness.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 39 |
| Computer Science. | #125 | $80,278 | — | 144 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #100 | $77,851 | — | 30 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #185 | $77,106 | — | 98 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #147 | $46,087 | — | 24 |
| Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician. | #3 | $44,431 | — | 35 |
Business programs span a wide earnings range, from Accounting Technology at $64,940 to Banking and Financial Support Services at $59,033. Applied Economics stands out with earnings of $75,591 and ranks #76 nationally.
Business Administration earns $47,689 with more modest outcomes. This diversity reflects varied career paths within business, making the field suitable for students who understand specific specialization requirements and market positioning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General.Small sample | #28 | $75,485★ | — | 12 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #132 | $64,940 | — | 162 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #144 | $59,033 | — | 124 |
| International Business. | #34 | $53,768 | — | 47 |
| Digital Marketing. | #168 | $50,964 | — | 118 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #308 | $47,689 | — | 111 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #23 | $43,694 | $23,792 | 522 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other. | #37 | $33,993 | — | 22 |
Adult Health Nursing leads all programs with median earnings of $86,618, ranking #52 nationally. This program combines strong labor market demand with excellent return on investment, featuring a value score of 81.4.
Students pursuing health careers at UNLV can expect robust earnings potential and manageable debt levels, making this field particularly well-suited for those prioritizing both economic outcomes and professional service.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #56 | $86,618★ | $19,949 | 155 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #29 | $64,274 | — | 57 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #54 | $48,322 | — | 61 |
Biology General delivers earnings of $52,145 with an impressive #71 national ranking and strong value score of 81.0, demonstrating excellent return on educational investment. The program graduates 210 students annually, indicating substantial institutional strength and student demand.
This field suits students planning graduate education in health sciences or research careers, where undergraduate preparation quality matters significantly.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #71 | $52,145★ | $13,302 | 210 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #62 | $46,104 | — | 41 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #234 | $34,624 | — | 28 |
American Government and Politics produces graduates earning $56,354 with a #109 national ranking, while Psychology generates earnings of $36,582. Forensic Social Work achieves exceptional value with earnings of $55,652 and an outstanding #17 national ranking.
These programs serve students prioritizing public service and social impact over maximum earnings, with some specializations offering stronger economic outcomes than others.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #74 | $75,591★ | — | 66 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #111 | $56,354 | — | 78 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #17 | $55,652 | — | 73 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | #9 | $53,941 | — | 11 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #14 | $46,712 | — | 27 |
| Human Services, General. | #13 | $40,084 | — | 40 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #175 | $39,834 | — | 62 |
| Psychology, General. | #293 | $36,582 | $18,500 | 368 |
| Anthropology, General. | #109 | $31,316 | — | 34 |
Communication and Media Studies generates graduates earning $46,265 with a #94 national ranking, demonstrating competitive performance in a challenging field. With a solid value score of 63.5 and substantial enrollment of 237 students, this program balances creativity with practical career preparation.
Best suited for students who combine communication skills with technical competencies or business acumen.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #95 | $46,265 | $28,617 | 237 |
English Language and Literature produces graduates earning $38,556 with a #177 national ranking, reflecting typical liberal arts career patterns. Despite lower median earnings, these programs develop critical thinking and communication skills valued across industries.
This path suits students prioritizing intellectual development and flexible career preparation over immediate earnings optimization, particularly those planning graduate study or creative careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #133 | $39,485★ | — | 21 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #188 | $38,556 | — | 93 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #110 | $38,157 | — | 53 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #62 | $37,590 | — | 18 |
| Brass Instruments. | #113 | $37,043 | — | 25 |
| Acting. | #44 | $33,281 | — | 40 |
| Commercial Photography. | #118 | $31,702 | — | 39 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #58 | $31,499 | — | 54 |
| American History (United States). | #278 | $30,771 | — | 49 |
| Ballet.Small sample | #40 | $20,417 | — | 15 |
Adult and Continuing Education achieves remarkable performance with a #30 national ranking and exceptional value score of 86.7, producing graduates earning $49,452. This program stands out for its combination of solid earnings, strong rankings, and excellent return on investment.
Education programs suit students committed to teaching and learning, where professional satisfaction and social impact often compensate for moderate earnings levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #17 | $51,927★ | — | 35 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #30 | $49,452 | $23,890 | 161 |
Corrections Administration produces strong earnings of $49,557 with a #78 national ranking, though median debt reaches $34,103. This program offers solid career prospects in law enforcement and corrections, where job security and benefits often supplement base salaries.
Suitable for students committed to public safety careers and willing to manage higher debt levels for professional entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #76 | $49,557 | $34,103 | 268 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology serves 265 students with earnings of $37,713, ranking #173 nationally. The large enrollment reflects student interest in health and fitness careers, though earnings remain modest.
Brewery Operations Management uniquely ranks #19 nationally with 522 graduates earning $43,694, demonstrating UNLV's distinctive program strengths. These specialized programs suit students with clear career focus and understanding of industry-specific opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design. | #52 | $48,826★ | — | 20 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #43 | $48,810 | — | 43 |
| Landscape Architecture.Small sample | #21 | $40,901 | — | 12 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #175 | $37,713 | $30,460 | 265 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | #31 | $28,753 | — | 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.
