Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Villanova University vary significantly by field of study, with business and engineering programs leading in post-graduation earnings while liberal arts programs offer strong value relative to national benchmarks. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 32 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#1 nationally
$74K 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 Villanova University.
Engineering programs deliver consistently strong outcomes, with Computer Engineering leading at $111,769 despite smaller cohort size of 32 graduates. Mechanical Engineering produces 70 graduates earning $91,256, ranking #43 nationally.
Chemical Engineering graduates earn $91,386 through a specialized program. Artificial Intelligence, a newer program, graduates 55 students earning $89,645.
These programs demonstrate Villanova University's technical strength, though enrollment remains more modest than business programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General. | #20 | $111,769 |
Program outcomes reflect actual labor market results reported to the Department of Education through the College Scorecard database. Rankings evaluate programs based on median earnings, debt levels, and value scores rather than reputation or prestige metrics. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes due to field-specific career trajectories, industry demand, and graduate school continuation rates. Cohort sizes indicate program enrollment scale, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported figures. Value scores combine earnings and debt metrics to identify programs delivering strong return on investment. These outcomes represent graduates working four years after program completion and reflect diverse career paths including immediate workforce entry, graduate study, and geographic mobility patterns.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 32 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #47 | $91,386 | — | 59 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #46 | $91,256 | — | 70 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #93 | $89,645 | — | 55 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #174 | $86,457 | — | 29 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #91 | $78,003 | — | 51 |
This group represents Villanova University's strongest earning programs, with Banking and Financial Support Services ranking #4 nationally and producing exceptional earnings of $110,166. Applied Economics ranks #52 nationally with strong earnings of $88,087, while Accounting delivers $91,268 with #19 national ranking.
Real Estate graduates earn over $100,000 annually despite smaller cohort sizes. These programs consistently deliver top-tier outcomes and represent the university's flagship career pathways for students prioritizing post-graduation earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | #1 🏆 | $122,309★ | — | 31 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #4 | $110,166 | $60,434 | 276 |
| Real Estate. | #3 | $101,813 | — | 40 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #19 | $91,268 | $54,082 | 109 |
| International Business. | #8 | $86,976 | — | 36 |
| Digital Marketing. | #15 | $79,586 | — | 64 |
| Actuarial Science. | #29 | $76,606 | $51,247 | 154 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #246 | $56,811 | — | 31 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out with 253 graduates earning $87,471 and ranking #54 nationally, representing one of Villanova University's largest and most successful programs. The nursing program combines substantial enrollment with strong earnings outcomes, creating excellent value for students seeking healthcare careers.
This program demonstrates the university's strength in professional preparation with immediate workforce applicability and strong long-term earning potential in the growing healthcare sector.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #57 | $87,471 | $39,768 | 253 |
Biology, General ranks #6 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania with exceptional value score of 98.6, though graduates earn $70,311 reflecting the field's graduate school preparation focus. The program graduates 76 students annually and demonstrates Villanova University's strength in pre-professional preparation.
This program serves students targeting medical school, graduate study, or research careers, with outcomes reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways rather than immediate workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #35 | $84,324★ | — | 43 |
| Biology, General. | #6 | $70,311 | — | 76 |
| Acoustics.Small sample | — | $45,198 | — | 6 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.Small sample | #99 | $33,993 | — | 15 |
| Physical Sciences, General.Small sample | #3 | $33,281 | — | 16 |
Applied Economics ranks #52 nationally with strong earnings of $88,087, while American Government and Politics ranks #26 nationally with graduates earning $72,272. Psychology produces 89 graduates earning $57,566 with exceptional value ranking #17 nationally.
These programs combine academic rigor with practical career preparation, offering students pathways to diverse professional fields including government, consulting, and graduate study continuation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #52 | $88,087★ | $57,024 | 123 |
| Criminology.Small sample | #1 🏆 | $74,408 | — | 15 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #27 | $72,272 | $45,220 | 103 |
| Applied/Public Sociology.Small sample | #12 | $68,680 | — | 11 |
| Psychology, General. | #19 | $57,566 | $47,796 | 89 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #42 | $39,218 | — | 27 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #28 nationally and #2 in Pennsylvania with strong value score of 89.4, graduating 146 students who earn $61,471. Digital Marketing graduates 64 students earning $79,586 with #15 national ranking.
These programs demonstrate Villanova University's ability to deliver strong outcomes in creative and media fields, with graduates entering diverse career paths in marketing, media production, and corporate communications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #27 | $61,471 | $43,649 | 146 |
General Studies graduates 52 students earning $56,373 with strong value score of 85.1 and #28 national ranking. This interdisciplinary program reflects Villanova University's liberal arts foundation and serves students pursuing diverse career paths or graduate study preparation.
The program demonstrates that liberal arts education can deliver competitive outcomes when combined with strong institutional support and career services.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #9 | $69,309★ | — | 29 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #3 | $64,967 | — | 41 |
| General Studies. | #31 | $56,373 | — | 52 |
| American History (United States). | #298 | $27,882 | — | 22 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science.Small sample | #112 | $43,798 | — | 15 |
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.
