2,202 Schools Analyzed · Updated Mar 2026
Is This Degree
Worth the Debt?
ROI analysis for every school and major combination in America. Every program gets a score from A to F based on real Department of Education earnings data.
2,202
Schools
30,224
Programs Graded
$26K
Avg Debt
$58K
Avg Year 1 Pay
Best ROI: School + Major Combinations
#1
Computer and Information Sciences at Berea College
Debt: $12KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#2
Computer and Information Sciences at Bethesda University
Debt: $10KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#3
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Capitol Technology University
Debt: $4KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#4
Computer and Information Sciences at Capitol Technology University
Debt: $4KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#5
Computer Programming at Capitol Technology University
Debt: $4KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#6
Computer Programming at Caribbean University-Bayamon
Debt: $11KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#7
Computer Programming at Caribbean University-Ponce
Debt: $11KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#8
Computer Science at Central State University
Debt: $9KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#9
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Collin County Community College District
Debt: $12KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
100
#10
Computer Software and Media Applications at Atlantic University
Debt: $13KEarnings: $95K/yr
A
99
Worst ROI: School + Major Combinations
#1 worst
Design and Applied Arts at Bowie State University
Debt: $50KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
40
#2 worst
Fine and Studio Arts at Bowie State University
Debt: $50KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
40
#3 worst
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Bowie State University
Debt: $50KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
40
#4 worst
Design and Applied Arts at Art Academy of Cincinnati
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
41
#5 worst
Fine and Studio Arts at Art Academy of Cincinnati
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
41
#6 worst
Film/Video and Photographic Arts at Art Academy of Cincinnati
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
41
#7 worst
Visual and Performing Arts at Art Academy of Cincinnati
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
41
#8 worst
Design and Applied Arts at Beverly Hills Design Institute
Debt: $49KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
41
#9 worst
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at Bowie State University
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
42
#10 worst
Social Work at Bowie State University
Debt: $48KEarnings: $42K/yr
D
43
Browse by Major
Statistics
3 schoolsAvg debt: $18KAvg earnings: $78K
A
Computer Programming
11 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Data Processing
2 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Computer Software and Media Applications
13 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Computer and Information Sciences
73 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Mathematics
79 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $78K
A
Computer Science
110 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
29 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Computer Systems Analysis
1 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Applied Mathematics
9 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $78K
A
Mathematics and Statistics, Other
3 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $78K
A
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
1 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Information Science/Studies
13 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Computer and Information Sciences, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $40KAvg earnings: $95K
A
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $4KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Computer Engineering Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $5KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Manufacturing Engineering
2 schoolsAvg debt: $15KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
6 schoolsAvg debt: $18KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Engineering Science
2 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Industrial Engineering
4 schoolsAvg debt: $19KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
4 schoolsAvg debt: $18KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Petroleum Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Engineering
12 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
20 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Mechanical Engineering
35 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Civil Engineering
22 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Biomedical/Bioengineering
8 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $34KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Computer Engineering
13 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Architectural Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Industrial Production Technologies
3 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Chemical Engineering
6 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Metallurgical Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Engineering Physics
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Geological/Geophysical Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Engineering, Other
3 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Energy Systems Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Engineering Technologies, Other
4 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Mining and Mineral Engineering
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Construction Engineering Technology
4 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Materials Engineering
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $92K
A
Engineering Technology
5 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Engineering-Related Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Quality Control and Safety Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies
3 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies
6 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Engineering-Related Fields
5 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies
3 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Engineering Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $65K
A
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
4 schoolsAvg debt: $12KAvg earnings: $62K
A
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Physics
25 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Chemistry
48 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Astronomy and Astrophysics
2 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Materials Science
1 schoolsAvg debt: $17KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Business Administration, Management and Operations
247 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
11 schoolsAvg debt: $21KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
15 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Business/Managerial Economics
9 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Construction Management
8 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
17 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
7 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $62K
B
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
3 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Physical Sciences
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Insurance
1 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
5 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
1 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Finance and Financial Management Services
71 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Marketing
89 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Accounting and Related Services
141 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Business/Commerce
41 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
1 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
34 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
10 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
14 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
50 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Health and Medical Administrative Services
61 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
12 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Management Information Systems and Services
13 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
8 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
8 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Human Resources Management and Services
25 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Business/Corporate Communications
4 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Hospitality Administration/Management
13 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
180 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
23 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Public Health
43 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
14 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $62K
B
International Business
6 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Medical Illustration and Informatics
1 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
3 schoolsAvg debt: $35KAvg earnings: $62K
B
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Legal Professions and Studies
5 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Legal Support Services
4 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
2 schoolsAvg debt: $17KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Legal Professions and Studies, Other
2 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Geography and Cartography
2 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
1 schoolsAvg debt: $36KAvg earnings: $65K
B
Data Analytics
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $52K
B
International Relations and National Security Studies
12 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $58K
B
General Social Sciences
5 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Biopsychology
1 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Systems Science and Theory
2 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Political Science and Government
106 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Sociology
85 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Social Sciences
17 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Social Sciences, Other
3 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Economics
52 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
18 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Anthropology
11 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Criminology
23 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Interior Architecture
3 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Architectural Sciences and Technology
4 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Urban Studies/Affairs
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Gerontology
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Human Computer Interaction
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
1 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Cognitive Science
2 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Leadership Studies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Nutrition Sciences
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Air Transportation
7 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Landscape Architecture
2 schoolsAvg debt: $36KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
38 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Biological and Physical Sciences
5 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Sustainability Studies
7 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Human Biology
4 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $52K
B
International/Globalization Studies
16 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Behavioral Sciences
1 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Computational Science
2 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
2 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Zoology/Animal Biology
5 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Data Visualization
3 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Biology
203 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
51 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
29 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
13 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
4 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Architecture
4 schoolsAvg debt: $32KAvg earnings: $58K
B
Science, Technology and Society
1 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Transportation and Materials Moving
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Genetics
1 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Natural Sciences
2 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
1 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
7 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Military Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
2 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Agricultural Production Operations
2 schoolsAvg debt: $19KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Philosophy and Religious Studies
2 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Plant Sciences
2 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Science Technologies
1 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Agriculture, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Forestry
2 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Agricultural Mechanization
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Philosophy
18 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
3 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Agriculture
5 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Religion/Religious Studies
25 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Food Science and Technology
5 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Biotechnology
1 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $55K
B
Natural Resources Management and Policy
1 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Mathematics and Computer Science
1 schoolsAvg debt: $33KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Psychology
200 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Agricultural Business and Management
11 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Agricultural Public Services
1 schoolsAvg debt: $22KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Graphic Communications
21 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Journalism
18 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $52K
B
History
100 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
61 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Research and Experimental Psychology
18 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Animal Sciences
11 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
25 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Classics and Classical Languages
2 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies
4 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
3 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $20KAvg earnings: $42K
B
Communication and Media Studies
127 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
26 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Audiovisual Communications Technologies
7 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
29 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Romance Languages
37 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $40KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Fire Protection
3 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $50K
B
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
3 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $48K
B
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
2 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $52K
B
Criminal Justice and Corrections
127 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $50K
C
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
28 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $48K
C
English Language and Literature
122 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
1 schoolsAvg debt: $42KAvg earnings: $55K
C
Security Science and Technology
9 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $50K
C
Homeland Security
10 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $50K
C
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Literature
3 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
C
American Sign Language
2 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Germanic Languages
1 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
96 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
3 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Public Policy Analysis
5 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $42K
C
East Asian Languages
2 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Psychology, Other
1 schoolsAvg debt: $36KAvg earnings: $48K
C
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
131 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Social Work
74 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
168 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Educational/Instructional Media Design
3 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Area Studies
13 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
16 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Special Education and Teaching
37 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
4 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Education, Other
7 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Education
29 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Human Services
23 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
8 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Public Administration
4 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Educational Administration and Supervision
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Visual and Performing Arts, Other
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
1 schoolsAvg debt: $23KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Precision Production
1 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
77 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
35 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Apparel and Textiles
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Music
53 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
2 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Community Organization and Advocacy
6 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
2 schoolsAvg debt: $31KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
3 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Outdoor Education
3 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Teaching Assistants/Aides
1 schoolsAvg debt: $33KAvg earnings: $45K
C
Housing and Human Environments
1 schoolsAvg debt: $24KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
29 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
36 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Design and Applied Arts
74 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Visual and Performing Arts
17 schoolsAvg debt: $29KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Fine and Studio Arts
96 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Dance
11 schoolsAvg debt: $30KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
10 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $42K
C
Theology and Religious Vocations
8 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Theological and Ministerial Studies
22 schoolsAvg debt: $25KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Religious/Sacred Music
9 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Bible/Biblical Studies
30 schoolsAvg debt: $26KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Religious Education
7 schoolsAvg debt: $27KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
14 schoolsAvg debt: $28KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
5 schoolsAvg debt: $32KAvg earnings: $40K
C
Browse by School
Aaniiih Nakoda College
Mt · public · 1 majors · Avg debt: $24K
Abilene Christian University
Tx · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $39K
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Ga · public · 13 majors · Avg debt: $23K
Academy College
Mn · private · 2 majors · Avg debt: $31K
Academy of Art University
Ca · private · 18 majors · Avg debt: $30K
Acupuncture and Massage College
Fl · private · 1 majors · Avg debt: $24K
Adelphi University
Ny · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $27K
Adrian College
Mi · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $25K
AdventHealth University
Fl · private · 6 majors · Avg debt: $35K
Agnes Scott College
Ga · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $27K
Alabama A & M University
Al · public · 20 majors · Avg debt: $26K
Alabama State University
Al · public · 20 majors · Avg debt: $33K
Alaska Bible College
Ak · private · 1 majors · Avg debt: $19K
Alaska Pacific University
Ak · private · 10 majors · Avg debt: $31K
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Ny · private · 5 majors · Avg debt: $45K
Albany State University
Ga · public · 20 majors · Avg debt: $24K
Albertus Magnus College
Ct · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $39K
Albion College
Mi · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $27K
Albizu University-Miami
Fl · private · 3 majors · Avg debt: $38K
Albizu University-San Juan
Pr · private · 2 majors · Avg debt: $28K
Albright College
Pa · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $26K
Alcorn State University
Ms · public · 20 majors · Avg debt: $30K
Alfred University
Ny · private · 20 majors · Avg debt: $39K
Alice Lloyd College
Ky · private · 13 majors · Avg debt: $19K
Browse by State
Ak
7 schools
Al
31 schools
Ar
23 schools
As
1 schools
Az
23 schools
Ca
172 schools
Co
30 schools
Ct
23 schools
Dc
11 schools
De
5 schools
Fl
106 schools
Fm
1 schools
Ga
63 schools
Gu
3 schools
Hi
9 schools
Ia
34 schools
Id
10 schools
Il
62 schools
In
50 schools
Ks
30 schools
Ky
34 schools
La
26 schools
Ma
70 schools
Md
31 schools
Me
19 schools
Mh
1 schools
Mi
50 schools
Mn
43 schools
Mo
58 schools
Mp
1 schools
Ms
16 schools
Mt
14 schools
Nc
66 schools
Nd
15 schools
Ne
20 schools
Nh
14 schools
Nj
52 schools
Nm
12 schools
Nv
12 schools
Ny
187 schools
Oh
104 schools
Ok
28 schools
Or
22 schools
Pa
125 schools
Pr
57 schools
Ri
11 schools
Sc
38 schools
Sd
15 schools
Tn
45 schools
Tx
113 schools
Ut
18 schools
Va
57 schools
Vi
1 schools
Vt
10 schools
Wa
56 schools
Wi
40 schools
Wv
22 schools
Wy
5 schools
Featured Schools
Allegheny College
Pa · private · 20 majors
Avg debt: $25KAvg pay: $59K
Allegheny Wesleyan College
Oh · private · 4 majors
Avg debt: $20KAvg pay: $41K
Allen University
Sc · private · 8 majors
Avg debt: $28KAvg pay: $55K
Alliant International University-San Diego
Ca · private · 3 majors
Avg debt: $31KAvg pay: $69K
Alma College
Mi · private · 20 majors
Avg debt: $27KAvg pay: $56K
Alpena Community College
Mi · public · 1 majors
Avg debt: $21KAvg pay: $65K
Alvernia University
Pa · private · 20 majors
Avg debt: $24KAvg pay: $56K
Alverno College
Wi · private · 20 majors
Avg debt: $29KAvg pay: $52K
America Evangelical University
Ca · private · 1 majors
Avg debt: $22KAvg pay: $40K
American Academy of Art College
Il · private · 4 majors
Avg debt: $28KAvg pay: $44K
American Baptist College
Tn · private · 2 majors
Avg debt: $37KAvg pay: $41K
American InterContinental University System
Az · private · 12 majors
Avg debt: $31KAvg pay: $65K
American InterContinental University-Atlanta
Ga · private · 7 majors
Avg debt: $33KAvg pay: $60K
American InterContinental University-Houston
Tx · private · 4 majors
Avg debt: $32KAvg pay: $68K
American International College
Ma · private · 20 majors
Avg debt: $28KAvg pay: $55K
American Jewish University
Ca · private · 3 majors
Avg debt: $30KAvg pay: $53K
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average return on investment for a college degree?
Across 2,202 schools and 30,224 school-major combinations, the average graduate carries $26K in debt and earns $58K in their first year. The average ROI varies enormously by major: STEM and healthcare degrees typically score A or B grades (strong returns), while some liberal arts and fine arts programs score D or F (debt exceeds reasonable payback). Use our STEM vs Liberal Arts comparison for the full breakdown.
What is an ROI Score?
The ROI Score is CollegeROIData's proprietary grading system that rates every school + major combination from A (best return) to F (worst return) based on five factors: debt-to-income ratio (35%), earnings premium over high school graduates (25%), job market outlook (20%), graduation rate (10%), and debt vs the national average for that major (10%). See our full methodology.
Is college worth the debt?
It depends entirely on the major and school. The best school-major combinations deliver 5-10x ROI with debt paid off in 2-3 years. The worst combinations leave graduates with more debt than they can reasonably repay. On average, STEM, healthcare, and business programs produce positive returns. Fine arts, education, and some humanities programs often do not. Trade school is a financially superior option for many students, see our trade school vs college comparison.
What is a good college debt-to-income ratio?
A debt-to-income ratio below 1.0x is good, meaning your total student debt is less than your first-year salary. Below 0.5x is excellent. Above 2.0x is a danger zone where repayment becomes extremely difficult. The national average across our data is about 0.46x. Read our DTI guide for benchmarks by major.
Is a public university a better investment than a private university?
On average, public universities offer better ROI because of lower debt levels. Private schools charge more but don't always deliver proportionally higher earnings. However, the best programs at private schools can outperform the average public school program. The specific school-major combination matters more than public vs private status. See our public vs private comparison.
Where does this data come from?
All debt and earnings data comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which tracks actual student debt levels and post-graduation earnings linked to specific schools and programs. Job outlook data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.