Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of San Diego vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $42,680 to $104,948 depending on career path selection. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, national rankings, and return on investment rather than institutional reputation or prestige.
Use this information to compare how different academic programs perform in the labor market and align program choice with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 23 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings potential, national recognition, and enrollment scale at University of San Diego.
#90 nationally
$94K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below organize programs by academic area, showing earnings, rankings, debt levels, and enrollment data for each available program.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of San Diego.
Engineering and technology programs showcase strong earning potential, with Computer Science graduates earning $104,948 and Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $88,885. Despite smaller cohort sizes, these programs deliver competitive national rankings and solid value propositions.
Industrial Engineering rounds out the offerings with graduates earning $80,644. This group appeals to students seeking technical careers with high earning potential, though enrollment capacity appears more limited than the university's business programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #90 | $104,948 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and career outcomes rather than academic reputation or selectivity. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 4-6 years after completion, requiring minimum cohort sizes for reporting. Rankings compare programs nationally and within California against similar degree offerings. Value scores incorporate both earnings levels and debt burdens to assess return on investment. Variations in outcomes reflect different career paths, industry demand, and regional employment markets rather than program quality alone. Students should consider personal interests, career goals, and long-term plans alongside earnings data when evaluating programs. Some programs may emphasize graduate school preparation or public service careers where initial earnings understate long-term value and contribution potential.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 37 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #81 | $97,216 | — | 24 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #122 | $88,885 | $83,897 | 71 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #44 | $80,644 | — | 36 |
Business programs at University of San Diego demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with Real Estate ranking #2 nationally and Banking and Financial Support Services ranking #39 nationally. Earnings span from $69,411 in Digital Marketing to $93,940 in Real Estate, with most programs delivering strong value scores above 70.
These programs consistently rank among California's top performers and represent the university's largest enrollment concentrations, making them flagship offerings well-suited for students prioritizing market-driven career outcomes and financial return on investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate. | #2 | $93,940★ | — | 64 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #37 | $88,651 | $76,974 | 93 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #37 | $88,295 | $84,102 | 231 |
| International Business. | #17 | $76,666 | — | 38 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #149 | $70,363 | $76,048 | 148 |
| Digital Marketing. | #63 | $69,411 | $63,660 | 107 |
Science and mathematics programs show varied outcomes, with Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ranking #14 nationally and producing graduates earning $70,621, while Biology General shows more modest earnings of $53,473. Neuroanatomy demonstrates strong performance with graduates earning $56,690 despite smaller cohorts.
These programs serve students planning graduate school continuation or research-oriented careers, though earnings may be lower initially compared to business and engineering tracks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #15 | $70,621★ | — | 27 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #21 | $56,690 | $55,407 | 76 |
| Biology, General. | #248 | $53,473 | $75,143 | 78 |
Social sciences programs demonstrate solid academic quality with varied career outcomes. Psychology General ranks #53 nationally with graduates earning $55,078, while Applied Economics graduates earn $71,933.
International Relations and American Government programs show earnings in the $56,000-$64,000 range with competitive state rankings. This group serves students interested in public service, graduate school preparation, or careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills rather than maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #121 | $71,933★ | — | 38 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #104 | $64,626 | $80,579 | 48 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #51 | $56,779 | $61,349 | 39 |
| Psychology, General. | #52 | $55,078 | $77,174 | 81 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #55 | $51,065 | — | 37 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #67 nationally with graduates earning $57,436, representing solid performance in a competitive field. With 113 graduates annually, this program maintains meaningful enrollment while delivering outcomes that rank #18 in California.
The program suits students seeking careers in media, marketing, or communications fields where networking, creativity, and strategic communication skills drive success beyond purely earnings-based measures.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #69 | $57,436 | $79,695 | 113 |
While University of San Diego offers programs across humanities and arts disciplines, the available federal data focuses primarily on programs in business, sciences, and professional fields. Students interested in humanities programs should expect outcomes that prioritize long-term intellectual development and career flexibility over immediate post-graduation earning potential, consistent with national patterns in these fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #35 | $57,954★ | — | 18 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #222 | $41,178 | $70,661 | 35 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 42K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #124 | $42,007 | — | 35 |
Architectural Conservation. leads other & interdisciplinary with 52K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Conservation.Small sample | — | $52,107 | — | 19 |
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.
