Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Pennsylvania vary significantly by field of study, with exceptional variation between high-earning business and technology programs versus traditional liberal arts fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not institutional reputation or academic rigor.
Analyzing 32 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase Penn programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and student enrollment.
#1 nationally
$247K median earnings
Earnings leaders include Artificial Intelligence at $246,946, Banking and Financial Support Services at $206,646, and Computer Science at $146,438. Mathematical Statistics produces $129,732 earnings, while Applied Economics reaches $125,816. These outcomes reflect labor market premiums for quantitative skills and technical expertise, with substantial variation across Penn's program portfolio.
Penn's nationally ranked programs demonstrate exceptional performance across diverse fields. Multiple programs achieve #1 national rankings, including Artificial Intelligence, Banking and Financial Support Services, Applied and Professional Ethics, Actuarial Science, Digital Marketing, and Neuroanatomy. The concentration of top rankings reflects Penn's academic excellence and strong alumni networks that support graduate career advancement across industries.
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 enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Pennsylvania.
Engineering and technology programs at Penn rank among the highest-earning in the nation, led by Artificial Intelligence which delivers exceptional $246,946 median earnings with perfect national rankings. Computer Science produces strong $146,438 earnings while maintaining substantial enrollment of 107 graduates annually.
These programs stand out for their exceptional career outcomes and direct pipeline to high-paying technology roles, making them ideal for students prioritizing maximum earning potential in rapidly growing fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #1 🏆 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not academic reputation or program quality. Rankings consider median earnings, debt levels, and value scores calculated from the ratio of earnings to educational costs. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes due to labor market demand, career preparation approaches, and student career choices after graduation. Data represents graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, typically 10 years after initial enrollment. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations—larger cohorts provide more reliable outcome estimates. These rankings help students understand the financial implications of program choice but should be considered alongside personal interests, career goals, and long-term professional aspirations.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value score leaders achieve perfect 100.0 ratings, including Artificial Intelligence, Banking and Financial Support Services, Applied and Professional Ethics, Actuarial Science, Digital Marketing, and Neuroanatomy. These programs combine strong earnings with reasonable debt levels, creating exceptional return on investment for graduates who complete these fields of study.
| $246,946★ |
| — |
| 153 |
| Computer Science. | #31 | $146,438 | — | 107 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #4 | $107,816 | — | 40 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #11 | $105,728 | — | 54 |
| Systems Engineering. | #4 | $101,964 | — | 30 |
| Materials Engineering.Small sample | #3 | $96,476 | — | 19 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #150 | $80,858 | — | 60 |
Business programs represent Penn's signature strength, with Banking and Financial Support Services producing the university's largest high-earning cohort at 390 graduates earning $206,646 annually. Applied Economics ranks #5 nationally with solid $125,816 earnings, while Actuarial Science and Digital Marketing achieve perfect national rankings.
These programs excel in connecting students to premium finance and consulting careers, best suited for students targeting Wall Street and corporate leadership roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #1 🏆 | $206,646★ | $42,051 | 390 |
| Digital Marketing. | #1 🏆 | $117,639 | — | 91 |
| Actuarial Science. | #3 | $104,502 | — | 219 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #18 | $90,686 | — | 159 |
Health programs center on Adult Health Nursing, which produces strong $96,143 earnings with 189 graduates and ranks #1 in Pennsylvania. This program demonstrates Penn's ability to deliver practical professional outcomes alongside its research mission.
These programs suit students seeking stable, well-compensated healthcare careers with direct vocational preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #28 | $96,143★ | $32,904 | 189 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling. | #1 🏆 | $76,896 | — | 75 |
Mathematics and sciences show mixed outcomes, with Mathematical Statistics achieving exceptional $129,732 earnings and top-3 national ranking, while Biology produces modest $35,823 earnings despite substantial enrollment. Neuroanatomy achieves perfect national rankings with solid $85,126 outcomes.
This group works best for students who understand the earnings tradeoffs and prioritize graduate school preparation or research pathways over immediate career earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #3 | $129,732★ | — | 85 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #1 🏆 | $85,126 | — | 121 |
| Acoustics. | #19 | $68,215 | — | 60 |
| Biology, General. | #311 | $35,823 | — | 161 |
Social sciences programs deliver strong outcomes relative to national peers, with American Government and Politics ranking #2 nationally despite moderate $86,353 earnings. These programs benefit from Penn's location and alumni network in major metropolitan markets.
This cluster works well for students interested in law school preparation, public service, or careers where Penn's network provides substantial advantage.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #6 | $125,816★ | — | 225 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #2 | $86,353 | $40,285 | 158 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #11 | $81,134 | — | 44 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #3 | $72,692 | — | 35 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #18 | $44,542 | — | 71 |
| Criminology.Small sample | #51 | $36,848 | — | 13 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #242 | $36,141 | — | 23 |
Communications graduates earn 77K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #4 | $77,464 | — | 82 |
Humanities programs show variable outcomes, with Applied and Professional Ethics achieving perfect national rankings and solid $90,761 earnings, while English produces modest $42,449 outcomes. Communication and Media Studies ranks #4 nationally with respectable $77,464 earnings.
These programs suit students prioritizing intellectual development and graduate school preparation over immediate earning potential, where Penn's academic reputation provides substantial value.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #1 🏆 | $90,761★ | $62,624 | 158 |
| American History (United States). | #8 | $76,695 | — | 64 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #140 | $42,449 | — | 75 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #101 | $38,289 | — | 42 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #74 | $24,035 | — | 25 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 91K on average, with 2 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science, General. | #4 | $96,904★ | — | 61 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #1 🏆 | $84,653 | — | 47 |
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.
