Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $40,451 in English to $86,129 in Artificial Intelligence. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 36 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in national rankings, earnings outcomes, or value creation for students.
recent graduates
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 capacity, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
These programs demonstrate the highest earnings potential at UW-Eau Claire, with Artificial Intelligence graduates earning $86,129 annually and ranking #115 nationally. The relatively small cohort size of 67 graduates reflects the specialized nature of these programs, though outcomes justify the concentration.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing strong financial returns and technical career advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $106,724 | — |
Rankings reflect labor market outcomes rather than academic prestige or reputation. Programs at the same institution show different earnings because career fields vary in market demand, required skills, and compensation structures. These outcomes represent graduates who entered the workforce rather than continued to graduate school, and cohort sizes indicate the confidence level for reported earnings figures. Data comes from the Department of Education's College Scorecard, which tracks graduates 2-4 years after completion and requires minimum cohort sizes for privacy protection. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to identify programs offering the best combination of outcomes for educational investment. Rankings help students understand how programs perform nationally within their specific field rather than making comparisons across different career areas.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| 83 |
Business programs show consistent earnings performance with strong enrollment numbers, led by Information Resources Management ($73,147, #36 nationally) and Accounting Technology ($67,125). Business Administration serves as the flagship program with 182 graduates earning $59,115 annually.
These programs balance solid earnings with substantial cohort sizes, making them well-suited for students seeking reliable career outcomes with strong alumni networks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | — | $90,193★ | — | 44 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $83,018 | — | 77 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | — | $75,724 | — | 137 |
| Marketing. | — | $70,891 | — | 145 |
| International Business.Small sample | — | $70,219 | — | 16 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $66,606 | — | 175 |
Health professions demonstrate strong market demand and solid earnings, with Clinical Research Coordinator ranking #3 nationally and delivering exceptional value (97.2 score). Adult Health Nursing graduates 149 students earning $66,527, while Speech-Language Pathology produces 81 graduates earning $51,540.
This group offers excellent prospects for students committed to healthcare careers requiring specialized training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | — | $80,564★ | — | 42 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $78,912 | — | 138 |
| Public Health.Small sample | — | $63,016 | — | 15 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $57,862 | — | 99 |
Science programs show moderate earnings with solid academic positioning, including Biology graduates earning $49,763 and Mathematics graduates earning $58,977. These programs typically prepare students for graduate study or specialized careers requiring analytical skills.
Best suited for students planning advanced education or research-oriented career paths where initial earnings may be lower but long-term prospects remain strong.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics.Small sample | — | $87,033★ | — | 14 |
| Mathematics. | — | $83,027 | — | 42 |
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $66,246 | — | 19 |
| Biology, General. | — | $59,937 | — | 120 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | — | $56,739 | — | 26 |
Social science programs demonstrate variable earnings outcomes, with Forensic Social Work achieving strong value (66.3 score) and Psychology showing solid performance despite moderate earnings of $42,810. These fields often lead to graduate study or public service careers.
This group serves students prioritizing social impact and long-term academic pathways over immediate financial returns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $69,435★ | — | 21 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $58,458 | — | 162 |
| Geography and Cartography. | — | $58,129 | — | 39 |
| Social Work. | — | $52,461 | — | 61 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $50,316 | — | 28 |
| Sociology. | — | $36,421 | — | 20 |
Communication and Media Studies. leads communications with 58K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $58,043★ | — | 31 |
| Journalism.Small sample | — | $48,173 | — | 12 |
Humanities programs typically show lower initial earnings but develop critical thinking and communication skills valued across multiple career paths. English Language and Literature graduates earn $40,451, reflecting the broad applicability of these degrees rather than direct career preparation.
These programs benefit students planning graduate study, creative careers, or roles requiring strong writing and analytical abilities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | — | $54,074★ | — | 55 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.Small sample | — | $53,957 | — | 7 |
| Music. | — | $47,079 | — | 50 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $46,075 | — | 70 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $42,995 | — | 47 |
| History. | — | $42,806 | — | 26 |
Education programs prepare students for teaching and specialized educational services, with Special Education ranking #36 nationally and Adult Education serving 73 graduates annually. Earnings reflect public service compensation patterns rather than private sector returns.
This group serves students committed to educational careers and public service, where job satisfaction and social impact often outweigh financial considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $48,458★ | — | 32 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | — | $47,877 | — | 77 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $47,473 | — | 80 |
Criminal Justice and Corrections. leads criminal justice with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $58,762 | — | 63 |
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. leads other & interdisciplinary with 54K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $53,907★ | — | 74 |
| Area Studies.Small sample | — | $31,848 | — | 6 |
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.
