Best Bachelor's Degree Programs at Vanderbilt University by ROI
Every Bachelor's Degree major at Vanderbilt University ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
20
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$231,613
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$84,412
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Computer Science.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$2,085,557 | $164,139 | $84,412 | $14,500 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Mathematics.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$723,932 | $95,754 | $84,412 | $10,000 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Economics.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$579,679 | $88,705 | $84,412 | $12,424 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Chemical Engineering.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$562,292 | $86,997 | $84,412 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Civil Engineering.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$516,672 | $84,716 | $84,412 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Philosophy.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$452,512 | $81,508 | $84,412 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$399,447 | $80,171 | $84,412 | $19,500 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Mechanical Engineering.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$389,732 | $79,314 | $84,412 | $14,000 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Engineering Science.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$374,782 | $78,634 | $84,412 | $15,000 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
Neurobiology and Neurosciences.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$372,107 | $78,554 | $84,412 | $15,796 | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Social Sciences, General.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$257,122 | $72,481 | $84,412 | $11,000 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Music.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
+$13,607 | $61,014 | $84,412 | $21,500 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Political Science and Government.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$141,548 | $52,615 | $84,412 | $12,000 | Full ROI → |
| 14 |
Fine and Studio Arts.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$157,008 | $51,032 | $84,412 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 15 |
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$175,708 | $50,907 | $84,412 | $12,000 | Full ROI → |
| 16 |
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$178,768 | $50,754 | $84,412 | $12,000 | Full ROI → |
| 17 |
Psychology, General.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$249,660 | $47,156 | $84,412 | $11,209 | Full ROI → |
| 18 |
Communication and Media Studies.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$276,928 | $45,036 | $84,412 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 19 |
English Language and Literature, General.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$410,465 | $39,265 | $84,412 | $13,420 | Full ROI → |
| 20 |
History.
Grad rate: 92.7% |
-$505,078 | $34,641 | $84,412 | $15,000 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.