University Ranking and Salaries

When students begin their college application journey, one of the first tools they often explore is the QS World University Rankings. While rankings offer insights into academic prestige, research output, and global reputation, they tell only part of the story—especially for students considering universities in the United States. For many, the real question is: Does attending a highly ranked university guarantee a high-paying job?

The answer? Not always. For U.S. universities, graduate salaries often matter more than global rankings when evaluating whether a school is the right fit for your career goals.

Why Graduate Salaries Matter

When choosing a university, especially in the U.S., it’s essential to consider what comes after graduation. Employability and earning potential are key factors that can help you determine the best return on your investment (ROI). A highly ranked university may not always lead to higher salaries, while mid-ranked schools with strong ties to industry can yield impressive results.

For instance:

• Stanford University is ranked 3rd globally (2024 QS Rankings) and produces graduates with some of the highest salaries in the U.S., particularly in tech and business fields, with starting salaries often exceeding $100,000 in industries like software engineering and consulting.
• Babson College, while not ranked as highly overall, is world-renowned for entrepreneurship programs. Its graduates have strong earning potential, especially those pursuing business ventures or working in consulting and finance.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), ranked much lower globally, is known for its engineering programs, where graduates also secure six-figure jobs shortly after graduation.

In contrast, some highly ranked schools with strong research reputations may not always focus on career readiness or industry connections, which could result in lower starting salaries for certain fields.

The U.S. Focus: Rankings vs. Salaries

In the United States, rankings like QS are less influential in employer decisions compared to factors like:

1. Internship Experience: Employers value hands-on experience and connections made during internships.
2. Program-Specific Reputation: A school may rank modestly overall but excel in a specific field (e.g., Purdue University for engineering or Babson College for business and entrepreneurship).
3. Alumni Networks: Schools like Dartmouth College, with its tight-knit alumni base, often see graduates succeed due to mentorship and networking opportunities.

Examples of Graduate Salaries vs. Rankings

Let’s compare the QS rankings of U.S. universities with their graduate salary outcomes:

Stanford University (Ranked 3rd): Starting salaries often exceed $120,000 in tech and business fields.
Babson College (Not ranked in QS top 100): Known for entrepreneurship, graduates earn $70,000+ on average, often launching successful businesses.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (Ranked 85th): Engineering graduates secure starting salaries around $85,000+.

As seen, even universities ranked outside the top 50 globally can produce graduates with competitive salaries in specialized fields.

When Graduate Salaries Outweigh Rankings

Here’s when you should focus on graduate salaries over rankings:

1. Field of Study
   Certain industries, like tech, finance, and healthcare, prioritize skills and experience over a university’s overall ranking. For instance, a computer science degree from UIUC may lead to better opportunities than a liberal arts degree from a higher-ranked institution.
2. Regional Influence
   Employers in the U.S. often value regional schools with strong local ties. For example, graduates from Georgia Tech in Atlanta or University of Washington in Seattle often dominate local job markets.
3. Return on Investment (ROI)
   For cost-conscious students, attending a state school or a modestly ranked university with lower tuition and solid job placement rates can be a smarter financial decision.

Is a High-Ranking University Always Worth It?

While prestigious universities like Stanford or MIT carry significant weight, they may not always align with every student’s goals.

Students aiming for careers in media or arts may find better networks and opportunities at schools like Emerson College or Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), even though these institutions don’t rank highly globally.

Universities with strong co-op or internship programs, like Northeastern University, provide invaluable work experience and often lead to higher salaries—even if the school isn’t ranked in the top 20 globally.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Focus On?

When deciding on a university, don’t just focus on rankings. Instead, consider:

Your Career Goals: Does the university align with your desired industry or field of study?
Graduate Outcomes: What are the starting salaries and job placement rates for graduates?
Program Reputation: Is the program you’re interested in well-regarded, even if the university isn’t highly ranked overall?

Ultimately, choosing a university is about finding the right fit for your ambitions, interests, and financial situation. QS rankings can be a helpful tool, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Graduate salaries and employability are just as critical—if not more so—in determining your success after college.

For personalized advice on selecting the best university for your goals, contact MyEduPathways today!