Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Notre Dame vary significantly by field of study. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 43 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#19 nationally
$81K 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, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Notre Dame.
Engineering and Technology programs demonstrate Notre Dame's technical strength, led by Artificial Intelligence which ranks #20 nationally with graduates earning $118,767. Mechanical Engineering produces 119 graduates earning $89,369 while ranking #48 nationally, and Chemical Engineering delivers $96,794 earnings with strong national recognition.
These programs combine substantial cohort sizes with consistently strong earnings across different engineering specializations. This group is well-suited for students seeking technical careers with strong earning potential and comprehensive program options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #19 | $118,767 |
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes from federal College Scorecard data, measuring graduate earnings, debt levels, and employment rates rather than academic prestige or institutional reputation. Programs with different outcomes reflect varying career paths, industry demand, and graduate school attendance rates. Rankings compare programs nationally within each major category, providing context for career and academic planning decisions. Data includes only programs with sufficient graduate cohort sizes to ensure statistical reliability, typically requiring at least 10 graduates annually over multiple years. Earnings represent median outcomes for graduates working full-time, while debt figures reflect borrowing specifically for undergraduate education. These metrics help students understand likely financial outcomes rather than guaranteeing individual results.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 128 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #31 | $101,471 | — | 41 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #21 | $96,794 | $46,393 | 84 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #49 | $89,369 | $37,150 | 119 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #39 | $85,090 | — | 50 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. | #47 | $80,329 | — | 22 |
| Computer Engineering, General.Small sample | #120 | $79,598 | — | 15 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.Small sample | #37 | $48,432 | — | 16 |
Business and Economics programs at Notre Dame consistently deliver exceptional outcomes, with multiple programs ranking among the top 25 nationally. Applied Economics graduates earn $100,568 while ranking #27 nationally, and Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #9 nationally with graduates earning $111,893.
These programs stand out for combining strong national recognition with substantial enrollments, including 243 Applied Economics graduates and 235 Banking graduates annually. This group is best suited for students who prioritize high earnings potential and proven placement in competitive business careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #9 | $111,893★ | $52,086 | 235 |
| Information Resources Management. | #2 | $109,779 | — | 36 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #17 | $89,081 | — | 100 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #5 | $84,414 | — | 36 |
| Actuarial Science. | #22 | $83,810 | — | 92 |
| Digital Marketing. | #34 | $73,166 | — | 69 |
Health-related programs primarily serve as pre-professional preparation rather than direct career pathways, with Health/Medical Preparatory Programs producing graduates earning $33,478. These programs are designed for students planning medical school or other health professional education, where immediate earnings are less relevant than graduate school preparation and acceptance rates.
This group is best suited for students committed to healthcare careers requiring advanced degrees.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other. | #12 | $33,478 | — | 81 |
Sciences and Mathematics programs show dramatic outcome variation, from Mathematics and Statistics ranking #2 nationally with $106,786 earnings to Biology programs with more moderate outcomes. Mathematics graduates achieve exceptional recognition and earnings with 125 annual graduates, while Neuroanatomy and general Biology programs prepare students primarily for graduate study with lower immediate earnings.
This group serves students with diverse post-graduation paths, from immediate high-earning careers to preparation for medical or graduate school.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other. | #2 | $106,786★ | — | 125 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #2 | $90,787 | — | 33 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #33 | $87,725 | — | 47 |
| Acoustics. | #15 | $87,137 | — | 31 |
| Biology, General. | #109 | $54,374 | — | 76 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #62 | $24,615 | $50,239 | 107 |
Social Sciences programs at Notre Dame achieve outstanding performance relative to national benchmarks, with Psychology ranking #1 nationally despite moderate $66,756 earnings and American Government ranking #23 nationally with $68,814 earnings. These programs excel in value creation and student satisfaction while serving as pathways to graduate school, public service, and diverse career options.
This group is ideal for students prioritizing academic excellence and program reputation over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #27 | $100,568★ | $56,000 | 243 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #2 | $71,102 | — | 35 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #23 | $68,814 | $35,318 | 181 |
| Psychology, General. | #1 🏆 | $66,756 | — | 84 |
| Anthropology, General. | #1 🏆 | $55,714 | — | 26 |
Humanities programs demonstrate Notre Dame's ability to deliver exceptional outcomes across diverse fields, with Catalan Language and Literature ranking #8 nationally and producing graduates earning $65,050. These specialized programs combine strong academic reputation with surprising career versatility, often serving as preparation for law school, graduate study, or professional careers.
This group serves students seeking intellectually rigorous education with flexible career pathways and strong alumni networks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language and Literature. | #1 🏆 | $80,901★ | — | 27 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #8 | $67,240 | — | 30 |
| Commercial Photography. | #13 | $65,839 | — | 40 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #10 | $65,050 | — | 90 |
| American History (United States). | #23 | $63,592 | — | 45 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #9 | $60,383 | — | 50 |
| General Studies. | #18 | $59,713 | — | 47 |
| Acting. | #1 🏆 | $56,230 | $43,843 | 74 |
| Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $53,358 | — | 8 |
| Divinity/Ministry. | — | $46,078 | — | 48 |
| Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.Small sample | #5 | $20,140 | — | 16 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 47K on average, with 2 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Design. | #2 | $71,931★ | — | 36 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #17 | $57,318 | — | 23 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.Small sample | #7 | $42,682 | — | 17 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | #11 | $40,485 | — | 78 |
| African Studies. | #48 | $35,416 | — | 24 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #65 | $35,060 | — | 18 |
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.
