Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Yale University vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from specialized pre-professional tracks exceeding $200,000 to traditional liberal arts fields around $60,000. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal College Scorecard data, not academic reputation or institutional prestige.
Analyzing 15 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface Yale programs that demonstrate exceptional outcomes across earnings, national ranking, and career preparation effectiveness.
#2 nationally
$98K 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, debt expectations, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Yale University.
Engineering programs at Yale deliver exceptional outcomes with Artificial Intelligence ranking #2 nationally and producing median earnings of $203,685. Engineering Science graduates earn $73,378, though with more limited career pathway options.
Both programs rank #1 in Connecticut, reflecting Yale's technical program strength. This field is best suited for students prioritizing maximum earning potential and technical career advancement.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #2 | $203,685★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes using Department of Education College Scorecard data, not academic reputation or selectivity. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for graduates who borrowed federal loans, typically comprising 60-70% of all graduates. Rankings compare outcomes across more than 2,000 four-year institutions nationwide, with tier phrases indicating percentile performance within each major field. Cohort sizes below 30 graduates may show higher volatility, while larger cohorts provide greater confidence in reported outcomes. Value scores incorporate earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. These metrics help students evaluate career preparation effectiveness across Yale's academic portfolio.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 96 |
| Engineering Science. | #6 | $73,378 | — | 33 |
Science programs show significant variation in career outcomes, from Environmental Science earning $60,161 to specialized tracks like Anatomy earning $31,305. Aquatic Biology produces $30,771, indicating preparation for graduate study rather than immediate workforce entry.
These programs work best for students planning graduate school continuation or research-focused careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy. | #20 | $31,305★ | — | 93 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #32 | $30,771 | — | 32 |
Yale's social science programs demonstrate outstanding career preparation with American Government and Politics ranking #1 nationally while producing $98,467 in median earnings. Applied Economics ranks #8 nationally with $125,006 earnings, and International Relations shows more modest outcomes at $52,107.
These programs excel for students seeking policy, government, or research careers with strong institutional networks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #8 | $125,006★ | — | 198 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #1 🏆 | $98,467 | — | 159 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #45 | $52,107 | — | 48 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #13 | $47,874 | — | 70 |
Traditional liberal arts programs maintain strong outcomes despite lower absolute earnings. American History ranks #3 nationally with $77,988 median earnings, while English Language and Literature ranks #10 nationally earning $60,462.
General Studies produces $61,133 with top state performance. These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development and diverse career pathways over maximum earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #3 | $77,988★ | — | 108 |
| General Studies. | #21 | $61,133 | — | 28 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #10 | $60,462 | — | 59 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 60K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #18 | $60,161 | — | 32 |
Interdisciplinary programs demonstrate exceptional outcomes with Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranking #2 nationally and earning $104,899. African Studies earns $62,139 while African-American Studies produces $35,060.
Behavioral Neuroscience combines science and social science approaches with $47,874 outcomes. These programs serve students seeking innovative academic approaches and diverse career applications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | #2 | $104,899★ | — | 62 |
| African Studies. | #7 | $62,139 | — | 46 |
| African-American/Black Studies. | #44 | $35,060 | — | 44 |
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.
