Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and assess career prospects across academic disciplines.
Analyzing 41 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at UNC Chapel Hill.
#43 nationally
$63K 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 cohort sizes.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill.
Computer Science represents UNC Chapel Hill's primary technology offering, ranking #41 nationally with graduates earning $107,225. With 379 graduates in the cohort, this program demonstrates strong student demand and consistent outcomes.
The program achieves solid value scores while preparing students for high-growth technology careers, making it ideal for students seeking technical expertise with liberal arts breadth.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #43 | $107,225 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or selectivity. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, with programs requiring minimum cohort sizes for inclusion. Rankings compare institutions nationally within specific majors, meaning a program ranked #50 performs better than programs at 50 other institutions offering the same major. Value scores incorporate earnings relative to debt levels, with higher scores indicating stronger return on investment. Outcomes vary based on career choices, geographic location, and individual career development, with some programs emphasizing graduate school preparation over immediate workforce entry. Students should consider both quantitative outcomes and personal interests when evaluating program fit, recognizing that career satisfaction extends beyond earnings potential.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $37,449 |
| 379 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #4 | $90,138 | — | 72 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #67 | $70,561 | — | 63 |
Business and Economics programs at UNC Chapel Hill deliver exceptional outcomes, with Business Administration ranking #6 nationally and Applied Economics ranking #35 nationally. Business Administration graduates earn $105,246 while Applied Economics graduates earn $79,084, both achieving top-tier value scores.
These programs combine strong theoretical foundations with practical career preparation, making them well-suited for students seeking leadership roles in corporate, consulting, and public policy sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #7 | $105,246★ | $38,681 | 358 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #33 | $56,616 | — | 82 |
Nursing programs produce graduates earning $65,538, though rankings place them at #215 nationally, indicating competitive program environments. Exercise Science graduates earn $47,623, ranking #66 nationally.
Health programs at UNC Chapel Hill provide pathways to healthcare careers, with outcomes varying significantly based on specific career tracks and post-graduation specialization choices.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #224 | $65,538★ | — | 187 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | — | $58,943 | — | 7 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist.Small sample | #53 | $56,721 | — | 19 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #24 | $52,735 | — | 33 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #43 | $52,107 | — | 44 |
Mathematics and science programs show exceptional performance, with Applied Mathematics ranking #4 nationally and graduates earning $104,439. Analytical Chemistry ranks #6 nationally with earnings of $59,852.
Biology programs serve as pre-professional preparation with more moderate earnings of $41,546. These programs excel for students pursuing graduate study or technical careers requiring strong quantitative foundations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #4 | $104,439★ | — | 128 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #17 | $87,301 | — | 113 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #9 | $59,852 | — | 147 |
| Biology, General. | #214 | $41,546 | $24,010 | 545 |
| Acoustics. | #67 | $36,848 | — | 49 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #65 | $22,183 | — | 48 |
Social science programs demonstrate strong outcomes across political science and psychology. American Government and Politics ranks #47 nationally with graduates earning $58,890, while Psychology ranks #64 nationally with earnings of $46,914.
Education Policy Analysis ranks #6 nationally, reflecting the university's policy expertise. These fields suit students interested in public service, research, or graduate study preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #35 | $79,084★ | $20,643 | 409 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #6 | $63,152 | — | 168 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #46 | $58,890 | $29,946 | 339 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #38 | $51,279 | — | 93 |
| Psychology, General. | #64 | $46,914 | $25,880 | 479 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #62 | $42,454 | — | 26 |
| Anthropology, General. | #42 | $41,213 | — | 61 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #6 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, with 598 graduates earning $59,487. This flagship program achieves a value score of 98.0, indicating exceptional return on investment.
The program's large enrollment and strong outcomes make it ideal for students pursuing media, marketing, and communications careers with strong liberal arts preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #6 | $59,487 | $35,260 | 598 |
Humanities programs deliver solid outcomes within their typical career trajectories. English Literature ranks #21 nationally with graduates earning $48,296, while American History ranks #70 nationally at $43,835.
These programs emphasize graduate school preparation and career flexibility, serving students who prioritize intellectual development alongside professional preparation in education, law, or public service sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Instruments. | #2 | $57,343★ | — | 47 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #23 | $48,296 | — | 138 |
| American History (United States). | #74 | $43,835 | — | 145 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #50 | $43,128 | — | 90 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #25 | $42,774 | — | 60 |
| General Studies. | #167 | $37,709 | — | 34 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #180 | $34,079 | — | 29 |
| Buddhist Studies. | #8 | $33,690 | — | 29 |
| Acting. | #73 | $28,960 | — | 36 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #89 | $18,154 | — | 68 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #107 | $43,516 | — | 98 |
Environmental Science represents UNC Chapel Hill's environmental offerings, ranking #38 nationally with graduates earning $49,872. With 141 graduates in the cohort, this program provides solid outcomes for students interested in environmental policy, conservation, or graduate study in environmental fields, combining scientific training with policy applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #38 | $49,872 | — | 141 |
Interdisciplinary programs include African Studies, ranking #23 nationally with graduates earning $43,478. Peace Studies ranks #1 nationally with exceptional outcomes at $63,183 earnings.
Environmental Science ranks #38 nationally with graduates earning $49,872. These programs suit students seeking specialized knowledge with strong liberal arts foundations, particularly those planning graduate study or public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | #1 🏆 | $63,183★ | — | 129 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #65 | $47,623 | $37,573 | 346 |
| African Studies. | #26 | $43,478 | $28,162 | 247 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #34 | $42,261 | — | 51 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services, Other. | #30 | $23,633 | — | 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.
