Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Vanderbilt vary significantly by field of study, with Computer Science and Mathematics programs delivering exceptional earnings while liberal arts and sciences programs provide strong outcomes relative to national averages. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, national competitiveness, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that demonstrate exceptional national ranking performance, strong earnings outcomes, or substantial enrollment scale.
#14 nationally
$80K 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 rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Vanderbilt University.
Engineering programs at Vanderbilt demonstrate exceptional national competitiveness with multiple #1 state rankings. Computer Science ranks #13 nationally with graduates earning $164,139, representing the university's highest-earning program.
Bioengineering ranks #23 nationally with $94,340 earnings, while Mechanical Engineering produces graduates earning $84,813. This group stands out for combining top national recognition with exceptional post-graduation earnings, making it ideal for students prioritizing both academic prestige and financial outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #14 |
Program rankings and outcomes reflect federal College Scorecard data measuring actual graduate earnings and debt levels. Rankings are based on comprehensive analysis comparing similar programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions nationally. Value scores incorporate earnings relative to debt burden and program-specific benchmarks. Different programs at the same institution produce varied outcomes due to labor market demand, career pathways, and graduate school continuation rates. Data represents cohorts of sufficient size for statistical confidence, typically requiring at least 40 graduates per program. These outcomes reflect career results rather than educational quality, providing students with evidence-based information for academic and career planning decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $164,139★ |
| — |
| 147 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #29 | $96,178 | — | 41 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #24 | $94,340 | — | 53 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #128 | $84,813 | — | 49 |
| Civil Engineering, General.Small sample | #55 | $84,716 | — | 17 |
| Engineering Science. | #8 | $66,169 | — | 55 |
Mathematics programs achieve extraordinary national recognition, with Algebra and Number Theory ranking #2 nationally and producing graduates earning $125,955 with a 99.5 value score. Neuroanatomy also ranks #2 nationally with $78,554 earnings and 98.5 value score.
However, Biochemistry shows more modest outcomes with $16,663 earnings, reflecting the field's emphasis on graduate school preparation. This group is best suited for students pursuing advanced study or careers requiring strong quantitative foundations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #2 | $125,955★ | — | 121 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #2 | $78,554 | — | 100 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #120 | $16,663 | — | 54 |
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods achieves exceptional performance with #1 national ranking, perfect 100.0 value score, and $80,320 earnings from 227 graduates. American Government and Politics ranks #46 nationally with $72,701 earnings from 97 graduates.
Psychology ranks #25 nationally with $54,652 earnings, reflecting typical outcomes for the field. This group combines strong national rankings with varied earnings outcomes, making it appropriate for students balancing academic interest with diverse career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #19 | $104,258★ | $52,320 | 257 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods. | #1 🏆 | $80,320 | $48,717 | 227 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #44 | $72,701 | $84,678 | 97 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #11 | $57,318 | — | 37 |
| Psychology, General. | #26 | $54,652 | — | 74 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #220 | $38,289 | — | 29 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #51 | $21,508 | — | 32 |
Communication and Media Studies, Other. leads communications with 62K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #37 | $62,250 | — | 21 |
American History ranks #20 nationally with graduates earning $60,522, while Catalan Language and Literature achieves #20 national ranking with $57,455 earnings. Music performance through Brass Instruments achieves #1 national ranking with $61,014 earnings and perfect value score.
These programs demonstrate Vanderbilt's strength in liberal arts education while producing graduates with earnings that exceed typical humanities outcomes, making them suitable for students prioritizing intellectual development alongside career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #3 | $81,508★ | — | 23 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #1 🏆 | $75,877 | — | 24 |
| Brass Instruments. | #1 🏆 | $61,014 | — | 50 |
| American History (United States). | #18 | $60,522 | — | 50 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #20 | $57,455 | — | 63 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #22 | $53,767 | — | 43 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 43K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #144 | $43,128 | — | 24 |
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. leads other & interdisciplinary with 60K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #30 | $60,205★ | $70,000 | 232 |
| Cognitive Science, General. | #14 | $38,752 | — | 47 |
| African Studies. | #45 | $37,208 | — | 22 |
| African-American/Black Studies.Small sample | #90 | $21,964 | — | 14 |
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.
