Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of North Dakota vary significantly by field of study, with technical programs typically outperforming liberal arts disciplines in post-graduation earnings. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige metrics.
Analyzing 34 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and student enrollment.
#116 nationally
$75K 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 ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of North Dakota.
Engineering programs at University of North Dakota deliver exceptional earnings outcomes with strong national competitiveness. Electrical Engineering leads with $91,053 earnings and ranks #114 nationally, while Mechanical Engineering produces $78,739 with solid enrollment of 104 graduates.
The flagship Aeronautics program ranks #3 nationally with outstanding value scores and represents the university's signature strength. These programs consistently place graduates in high-paying technical careers with excellent long-term earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #116 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or faculty quality. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 4-6 years after completion, with rankings based on median earnings within each field nationally. Programs require minimum cohort sizes for inclusion, ensuring statistical reliability. Value scores incorporate earnings relative to debt and educational investment. Students should recognize that individual outcomes depend on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions beyond institutional control. Rankings provide comparative context for decision-making but cannot predict individual success. Data reflects historical outcomes and may not capture recent program improvements or labor market shifts.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $91,053★ |
| — |
| 47 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #75 | $88,123 | — | 39 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | #14 | $86,097 | — | 32 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #170 | $78,739 | — | 104 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #128 | $74,705 | — | 40 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #186 | $55,547 | — | 35 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | #5 | $53,865 | — | 21 |
Business programs show varied performance, with Digital Marketing standing out at #48 nationally and $64,234 earnings. Accounting Technology graduates earn $62,317 with solid value scores, while general Business Administration shows more modest outcomes at $53,606.
The programs serve significant student populations with practical, career-focused curricula. Students should prioritize specialized business programs over general management for optimal earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing. | #45 | $64,234★ | — | 97 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #177 | $62,317 | — | 82 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #177 | $56,582 | — | 54 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.Small sample | #16 | $54,055 | — | 15 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #243 | $53,606 | — | 79 |
| Executive/Career Coaching.Small sample | #51 | $48,849 | — | 16 |
Health programs demonstrate solid earnings with Adult Health Nursing leading at $64,294 for 120 graduates annually. Blood Bank Technology shows specialized outcomes with $60,349 earnings from smaller cohorts.
These programs typically lead to stable healthcare careers with predictable employment prospects. Students should expect rigorous clinical preparation and strong job market positioning upon graduation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #253 | $64,294★ | — | 120 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #29 | $60,349 | — | 41 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #7 | $52,250 | — | 36 |
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.Small sample | #33 | $36,848 | — | 11 |
Biology leads the sciences with $60,146 earnings and ranks #70 nationally with strong value scores of 81.3. The program graduates 80 students annually, indicating solid demand and sustainable enrollment.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate school continuation or healthcare-related careers. Students interested in research or professional school should expect competitive outcomes with strong preparation for advanced study.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #72 | $60,146★ | — | 80 |
| Animal Behavior and Ethology.Small sample | #22 | $24,721 | — | 19 |
Psychology graduates earn $46,930 with moderate value scores, serving 126 students annually as one of the larger programs. Forensic Social Work shows stronger specialized outcomes at $49,870 with excellent value scores of 80.3.
These programs often prepare students for graduate study or public service careers. Students prioritizing immediate high earnings should consider career trajectory expectations carefully.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #36 | $49,870★ | — | 84 |
| Psychology, General. | #131 | $46,930 | — | 126 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | #45 | $34,490 | — | 19 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #315 | $25,194 | — | 25 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $46,659 with moderate value scores and 77 annual graduates. The program provides broad preparation for media and communication careers with diverse employment pathways.
Students should expect competitive job markets requiring strong portfolio development and internship experience for optimal outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #145 | $46,659 | — | 77 |
General Studies. leads humanities & arts with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #15 | $56,660★ | — | 110 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #126 | $41,193 | — | 19 |
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | — | $38,751 | — | 9 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #264 | $37,529 | — | 22 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces $41,931 earnings with 138 graduates annually, representing significant enrollment in teacher preparation. The program ranks #106 nationally but leads the state, indicating regional strength.
These programs typically prepare students for public service careers with stable employment but moderate initial earnings. Students should expect meaningful work with gradual earning growth over career spans.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #97 | $47,576★ | — | 21 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #113 | $41,931 | — | 138 |
Corrections Administration. leads criminal justice with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #60 | $50,475★ | — | 65 |
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science. | #19 | $37,568 | — | 24 |
General Studies stands out with exceptional performance, ranking #11 nationally and achieving outstanding value scores of 94.5 with earnings of $56,660. Corrections Administration shows solid outcomes at $50,475 for criminal justice pathways.
These programs offer flexibility for students with diverse career interests or those seeking broad-based preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General. | #3 | $74,569★ | — | 196 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #123 | $46,594 | — | 38 |
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.
