Student Loan Debt by Major

Report Highlights. Debt between majors varies greatly, at the Bachelor’s degree level there is a $33,293 difference between the most indebted major and the least indebted major. 

  • The major with the largest median debt for a Bachelor’s degree is Behavioral Sciences at $42,822.
  • The major with the smallest median debt for a Bachelor’s degree is Science Technologies/Technicians, General, at $9,529.
  • The major with the largest median debt out of any other major is Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration at $310,330
  • The major with the smallest median debt out of any other major is Biological and Physical Sciences at $7,591

Related reports include Average Medical School Debt | Average Law School Debt | Average Student Loan Debt | Average Student Loan Debt by Year | Student Loan Debt Statistics

Student loan debt by major 1110 1 on Education Data Initiative

Associate’s Degree Debt by Major

The information below reports the median debt per major for Associate’s degrees. Interestingly, several Associate degree majors carry more student debt than Bachelor degree majors.

  • The major with the largest weighted median student loan debt for an Associate’s degree is in Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems at $38,533.
  • The major with the least amount of weighted median student loan debt for an Associate’s degree is in Biological and Physical Sciences at $7,591.
  • A major in Public Health has more debt at the Associate’s level than the Bachelor’s level: $27,135 vs. $23,111.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences majors account for 1.9% of the country’s total student loan debt: the most out of any Associates major.
Associate’s Degree Debt Table
College Major 2022 Median Debt
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems $38,533
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $34,713
Real Estate $30,772
Computer Systems Analysis $27,924
Religion/Religious Studies $27,904
Human Computer Interaction $27,527
Bible/Biblical Studies $27,471
Public Health $27,135
Education, Other $26,468
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services $26,336
Homeland Security $24,040
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $22,699
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $22,683
Music $22,649
Management Information Systems and Services $22,541
Mathematics $22,530
Data Processing $22,194
Legal Support Services $22,047
Computer Engineering $21,901
Behavioral Sciences $21,859
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other $21,827
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $21,460
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $21,175
Film/Video and Photographic Arts $21,175
Human Resources Management and Services $21,175
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $21,160
Criminology $20,708
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $20,516
Architectural Sciences and Technology $20,435
Visual and Performing Arts, General $20,396
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services $20,116
Communications Technology/Technician $20,116
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services $20,055
Accounting and Related Services $20,045
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $19,945
Computer and Information Sciences, General $19,834
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $19,726
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $19,720
Human Services, General $19,644
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $19,572
Computer Software and Media Applications $19,500
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $19,470
Construction Management $19,423
Health and Medical Administrative Services $19,043
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $18,836
Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians $18,792
Business/Commerce, General $18,789
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $18,528
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $18,436
Hospitality Administration/Management $18,435
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $18,323
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies $18,301
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians $18,191
Business Administration, Management and Operations $18,083
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $17,955
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $17,510
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other $17,469
Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies $17,366
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians $17,357
Carpenters $17,072
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians $16,888
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $16,886
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $16,762
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $16,728
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other $16,716
Air Transportation $16,654
Marketing $16,628
Teaching Assistants/Aides $16,579
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $16,491
Psychology, Other $16,489
Sociology $16,427
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $16,269
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions $16,030
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians $15,888
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science $15,818
Criminal Justice and Corrections $15,660
Research and Experimental Psychology $15,444
Computer Programming $15,284
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $14,891
Apparel and Textiles $14,870
Social Work $14,849
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians $14,833
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians $14,680
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $14,593
Computer Science $14,574
Business/Managerial Economics $14,293
Engineering Science $14,158
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $14,026
Information Science/Studies $14,010
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians $13,963
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians $13,763
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $13,674
Theological and Ministerial Studies $13,634
Construction Engineering Technologies $13,479
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $13,432
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians $13,397
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other $13,254
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $13,217
Culinary Arts and Related Services $13,070
Community Organization and Advocacy $13,030
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $13,020
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology $13,006
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies $12,959
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) $12,856
Fine and Studio Arts $12,806
Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services $12,705
Agricultural Business and Management $12,705
Agricultural Mechanization $12,705
Animal Sciences $12,705
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services $12,705
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection $12,705
Construction Trades, Other $12,705
Design and Applied Arts $12,705
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $12,705
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers $12,705
Finance and Financial Management Services $12,705
Forestry $12,705
Plant Sciences $12,705
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services $12,705
Precision Metal Working $12,705
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management $12,705
Woodworking $12,705
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services $12,671
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $12,479
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $12,465
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $12,340
Graphic Communications $12,310
Psychology, General $12,217
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology $12,182
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $11,963
Agriculture, General $11,727
Natural Resources Management and Policy $11,684
Agricultural Production Operations $11,646
Engineering Technology, General $11,646
Fire Protection $11,627
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $11,333
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $11,315
Political Science and Government $11,140
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $11,072
Education, General $11,035
Social Sciences, General $10,840
Communication and Media Studies $10,676
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $10,600
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $10,492
Biology, General $10,299
Engineering, General $10,299
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $10,272
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $10,227
Precision Production, Other $10,058
Natural Sciences $9,882
Physical Sciences $9,816
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other $9,520
Special Education and Teaching $9,471
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other $9,264
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications $9,200
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services $9,135
Mechanics and Repairers, General $8,999
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians $8,999
Social Sciences, Other $8,621
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other $7,997
Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician $7,623
Biological and Physical Sciences $7,591

Bachelor’s Degree Debt by Major

The information below reports the median debt per major for Bachelor’s degrees. Business Administration (Bachelor and Masters degrees) accounts for a large portion of the country’s total student loan debt at 8%.

  • The major with the largest weighted median student loan debt for a Bachelor’s degree is Behavior Sciences at $42,822.
  • The major with the least weighted median student loan debt for a Bachelor’s degree is Science Technologies/Technicians, General, at $9,529.
  • A major in Business Operations Support and Assistant Services has less weighted median student loan debt at the Bachelor’s level than at the Associate’s level: $19,147 vs. $20,055.
  • Business Administration as a major at the Bachelor’s level accounts for 3.7% of the country’s total student loan debt.
Bachelor’s Degree Debt Table
College Major 2022 Median Debt
Behavioral Sciences $42,822
Engineering-Related Technologies $39,702
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems $38,946
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other $37,216
Computer Systems Analysis $37,038
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $35,785
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians $33,939
Religion/Religious Studies $33,446
Electromechanical Engineering $32,821
Religious Education $31,984
Educational/Instructional Media Design $30,604
Human Computer Interaction $30,262
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians $30,038
Health and Medical Administrative Services $29,484
Military Systems and Maintenance Technology $29,115
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry $29,105
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other $29,090
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $28,865
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering $28,613
Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician $28,586
Computer Programming $28,586
Culinary Arts and Related Services $28,586
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $28,586
Human Services, General $28,586
Natural Resources and Conservation, Other $28,586
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering $28,586
Polymer/Plastics Engineering $28,586
Architectural Sciences and Technology $28,538
Mining and Mineral Engineering $28,494
Computer Software and Media Applications $28,419
Library Science and Administration $28,390
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other $28,386
Graphic Communications $28,240
Religious/Sacred Music $28,219
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians $28,150
Architectural Engineering $28,123
Education, General $28,001
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $27,955
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering $27,890
Architecture and Related Services, Other $27,804
Classical and Ancient Studies $27,754
Materials Sciences $27,749
Legal Professions and Studies, Other $27,570
Dance $27,527
Design and Applied Arts $27,527
Forest Engineering $27,527
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies $27,527
Paper Science and Engineering $27,527
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $27,439
Legal Support Services $27,356
Architectural History and Criticism $26,998
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $26,989
Literature $26,987
Natural Sciences $26,912
Geological/Geophysical Engineering $26,871
American Sign Language $26,730
Interior Architecture $26,706
Physical Sciences $26,635
Music $26,600
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $26,590
Engineering-Related Fields $26,589
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $26,513
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $26,484
Marine Transportation $26,471
Architecture $26,468
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $26,468
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $26,468
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians $26,468
Energy and Biologically Based Therapies $26,468
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $26,468
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $26,468
Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education $26,468
Visual and Performing Arts, General $26,468
Natural Resources Management and Policy $26,462
Sociology and Anthropology $26,425
Petroleum Engineering $26,421
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $26,417
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $26,368
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $26,321
Educational Administration and Supervision $26,289
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies $26,196
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $26,149
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians $26,130
Community Organization and Advocacy $26,051
Construction Engineering $26,025
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $25,952
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other $25,925
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other $25,924
Textile Sciences and Engineering $25,874
Special Education and Teaching $25,831
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $25,793
Insurance $25,753
Theological and Ministerial Studies $25,751
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $25,740
Engineering Physics $25,716
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $25,674
Manufacturing Engineering $25,650
Fine and Studio Arts $25,631
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $25,621
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $25,501
Engineering, General $25,497
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services $25,442
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $25,438
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $25,417
Astronomy and Astrophysics $25,364
Ocean Engineering $25,261
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $25,233
Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services $25,203
Biological and Physical Sciences $25,199
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $25,153
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services $25,152
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations $25,151
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $25,140
Engineering Mechanics $25,135
Biochemical Engineering $25,083
Information Science/Studies $25,082
Surveying Engineering $25,039
Housing and Human Environments $24,997
Film/Video and Photographic Arts $24,994
Homeland Security $24,948
Education, Other $24,931
Social Work $24,863
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $24,713
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies $24,667
Zoology/Animal Biology $24,661
International Business $24,651
Engineering Technology, General $24,632
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $24,616
Air Transportation $24,615
Bible/Biblical Studies $24,615
Civil Engineering $24,615
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $24,615
Human Resources Management and Services $24,587
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning $24,538
Criminal Justice and Corrections $24,534
Mechanical Engineering $24,504
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $24,432
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other $24,400
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $24,372
Business Administration, Management and Operations $24,351
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $24,348
Construction Management $24,332
Business/Commerce, General $24,270
Construction Engineering Technologies $24,264
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $24,168
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $24,164
Industrial Engineering $24,156
Engineering, Other $24,133
Accounting and Related Services $24,086
Business/Corporate Communications $24,072
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians $24,050
Computer Engineering $24,043
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other $24,034
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $24,034
Computer and Information Sciences, General $24,013
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services $24,006
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management $24,006
Management Information Systems and Services $24,005
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other $23,980
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology $23,924
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services $23,918
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $23,887
Biological/Biosystems Engineering $23,859
Chemical Engineering $23,821
Biology, General $23,747
Materials Engineering $23,735
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $23,726
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other $23,696
Marketing $23,689
Agricultural and Food Products Processing $23,668
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other $23,666
Food Science and Technology $23,629
Landscape Architecture $23,503
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $23,493
Engineering Science $23,491
Apparel and Textiles $23,477
Journalism $23,427
Criminology $23,411
Systems Science and Theory $23,362
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $23,326
Botany/Plant Biology $23,292
International Agriculture $23,292
Psychology, General $23,292
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $23,131
Public Health $23,111
Forestry $23,090
Systems Engineering $23,047
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management $23,036
Archeology $23,028
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection $22,998
Nutrition Sciences $22,928
Agricultural Engineering $22,860
Physical Sciences, Other $22,842
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $22,831
Communication and Media Studies $22,820
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $22,802
Finance and Financial Management Services $22,792
Social Sciences, General $22,786
Metallurgical Engineering $22,781
Chemistry $22,764
History $22,763
Hospitality Administration/Management $22,763
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $22,763
Physics $22,763
Public Policy Analysis $22,763
Woodworking $22,763
Agricultural Production Operations $22,732
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies $22,653
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other $22,633
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians $22,608
Biopsychology $22,602
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $22,592
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language $22,582
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $22,559
English Language and Literature, General $22,501
Agricultural Mechanization $22,489
Visual and Performing Arts, Other $22,438
Sociology $22,292
Computer Science $22,283
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $22,265
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other $22,254
Maritime Studies $22,233
Marine Sciences $22,158
Nuclear Engineering $22,114
Historic Preservation and Conservation $22,096
Political Science and Government $22,045
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $22,027
Mathematics and Statistics, Other $22,005
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $21,965
Genetics $21,941
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $21,935
Real Estate $21,920
Science, Technology and Society $21,838
Outdoor Education $21,807
Anthropology $21,704
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $21,704
Geography and Cartography $21,704
International Relations and National Security Studies $21,704
Mathematics $21,704
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $21,704
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services $21,704
Sustainability Studies $21,702
Psychology, Other $21,666
Animal Sciences $21,639
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $21,532
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $21,362
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology $21,274
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies $21,245
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research $21,228
Environmental Design $21,224
Business/Managerial Economics $21,175
Urban Studies/Affairs $20,890
Agriculture, General $20,785
Communications Technology/Technician $20,763
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology $20,751
Economics $20,700
Social Sciences, Other $20,674
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $20,645
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians $20,645
Philosophy $20,645
Public Administration $20,645
Statistics $20,645
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences $20,645
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $20,525
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $20,421
Mathematics and Computer Science $20,391
Soil Sciences $20,250
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $20,052
International/Global Studies $19,895
Biotechnology $19,879
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education $19,851
Area Studies $19,849
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other $19,807
Gerontology $19,738
Applied Mathematics $19,682
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $19,648
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies $19,637
Fire Protection $19,483
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution $19,249
Pharmacology and Toxicology $19,238
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services $19,147
Plant Sciences $19,091
Research and Experimental Psychology $18,778
Cognitive Science $18,131
Agricultural Business and Management $18,112
Human Biology $17,994
Real Estate Development $17,469
Data Processing $16,901
Computational Science $16,863
Bioethics/Medical Ethics $16,479
Operations Research $16,410
Agricultural Public Services $16,071
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science $15,881
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology $14,605
International and Comparative Education $12,969
Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians $10,948
Science Technologies/Technicians, General $9,529

Master’s Degree Debt by Major

The information below reports the median debt per major for Master’s degrees. The majority of student debt in the nation is accrued by graduate degree students. Business Administration (Bachelor and Masters degrees) accounts for a large portion of the country’s total student loan debt at 8%.

  • The major with the largest weighted median student loan debt at the Master’s level is Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences at $158,155.
  • The major with the least weighted median student loan debt at the Master’s level is Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at $13,664.
  • Business Administration accounts for 4.3% of the country’s total student loan debt: the most out of any other Master’s degree major.
Master’s Degree Debt Table
College Major 2022 Median Debt
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences $158,155
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $154,632
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $115,251
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems $113,716
Dance $110,125
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $104,650
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians $100,165
Real Estate Development $97,023
Film/Video and Photographic Arts $95,878
Visual and Performing Arts, Other $91,216
Graphic Communications $90,834
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $90,479
Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education $85,861
Landscape Architecture $80,409
Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services $70,484
Fine and Studio Arts $69,016
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $68,898
Design and Applied Arts $67,516
Engineering, Other $66,648
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $65,853
Nutrition Sciences $65,112
International Business $65,052
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $64,304
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $63,937
Bioethics/Medical Ethics $63,927
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $63,878
Visual and Performing Arts, General $63,828
Dispute Resolution $62,803
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other $61,799
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies $61,790
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $61,742
International Relations and National Security Studies $61,034
Area Studies $60,568
Sustainability Studies $59,405
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences $58,127
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $57,921
Architectural Sciences and Technology $57,322
Behavioral Sciences $57,279
Apparel and Textiles $56,319
Gerontology $56,226
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $55,976
Applied Mathematics $54,725
Social Sciences, General $54,554
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $54,538
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $54,458
Philosophy $54,260
Journalism $53,213
Statistics $53,174
Biological and Physical Sciences $53,039
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $52,406
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $52,389
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $51,888
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $51,420
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other $51,355
Human Computer Interaction $50,877
Legal Support Services $49,805
Public Health $48,726
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $48,693
Historic Preservation and Conservation $48,530
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $48,366
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $48,323
Social Sciences, Other $47,265
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $46,929
Sociology $46,871
Pharmacology and Toxicology $46,848
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $46,833
Bible/Biblical Studies $46,650
Real Estate $46,352
Legal Professions and Studies, Other $45,939
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $45,916
Engineering Science $45,887
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $45,717
Research and Experimental Psychology $45,648
Community Organization and Advocacy $45,514
Museology/Museum Studies $45,382
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other $45,370
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $45,284
Library Science, Other $45,033
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $44,598
English Language and Literature, General $44,301
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $44,201
Public Policy Analysis $44,197
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $44,177
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $43,864
Political Science and Government $43,853
Human Services, General $43,740
Fire Protection $43,528
Computer Software and Media Applications $43,513
Medical Illustration and Informatics $43,414
Biotechnology $43,408
Business/Commerce, General $43,408
Business/Corporate Communications $43,408
Business/Managerial Economics $43,408
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning $43,408
Finance and Financial Management Services $43,408
Human Resources Management and Services $43,408
Information Science/Studies $43,408
Insurance $43,408
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies $43,408
International and Comparative Education $43,408
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $43,408
Music $43,408
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution $43,408
Psychology, General $43,408
Publishing $43,408
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $43,408
Social Work $43,408
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $43,408
Religious/Sacred Music $43,406
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology $43,400
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services $43,348
Business Administration, Management and Operations $43,251
Health and Medical Administrative Services $43,192
Economics $43,053
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services $42,917
Culinary Arts and Related Services $42,879
Literature $42,826
Systems Engineering $42,800
Environmental Design $42,714
Computer Engineering $42,647
Theological and Ministerial Studies $42,577
Chemical Engineering $42,343
Public Administration $42,154
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other $42,063
Criminal Justice and Corrections $41,882
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $41,638
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $41,460
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $41,238
History $40,948
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences $40,764
Computer and Information Sciences, General $40,579
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education $40,462
Anthropology $40,428
Biology, General $40,265
Architecture $39,788
Management Information Systems and Services $39,726
Communication and Media Studies $39,270
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education $39,120
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis $38,983
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other $38,746
Urban Studies/Affairs $38,724
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations $38,428
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $38,300
Air Transportation $38,211
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $38,081
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians $38,009
Homeland Security $37,970
Construction Management $37,620
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies $37,609
Neurobiology and Neurosciences $37,585
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $37,461
Religious Education $37,233
International/Global Studies $37,180
Psychology, Other $37,175
Zoology/Animal Biology $37,056
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology $36,360
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology $36,296
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $36,234
Hospitality Administration/Management $36,203
Physical Sciences, Other $35,869
Library Science and Administration $35,752
Marketing $35,738
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $35,616
Industrial Engineering $35,536
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other $35,345
Criminology $35,318
Computer Science $35,301
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $35,244
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $34,465
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $34,067
Systems Science and Theory $33,809
Taxation $33,578
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians $33,572
Engineering, General $33,235
Food Science and Technology $33,218
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $32,592
Cognitive Science $32,556
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $32,372
Natural Resources Management and Policy $32,335
American Sign Language $32,254
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $32,199
Computational Science $32,125
Special Education and Teaching $32,052
Engineering Technology, General $31,909
Construction Engineering $31,265
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research $31,116
Agriculture, General $30,676
Geography and Cartography $30,657
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $30,488
Education, General $29,434
Petroleum Engineering $28,920
Chemistry $28,912
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other $28,743
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies $28,564
Engineering-Related Fields $28,552
Curriculum and Instruction $28,451
Accounting and Related Services $28,212
Educational Administration and Supervision $28,070
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $27,968
Education, Other $27,762
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $27,501
Agricultural Business and Management $26,998
Agricultural Public Services $26,973
Mechanical Engineering $26,775
Civil Engineering $26,180
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies $26,155
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $24,351
Computer Systems Analysis $24,097
Interior Architecture $24,097
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other $23,939
Textile Sciences and Engineering $23,557
International Agriculture $23,275
Architecture and Related Services, Other $23,184
Religion/Religious Studies $22,769
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other $21,704
Educational/Instructional Media Design $21,704
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language $21,696
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $13,664

Doctoral Degree Debt by Major

The information below reports the median debt per major for Doctoral degrees. Doctoral degree debt is highly dependent on the major itself. The major with the largest weighted median student loan debt at the Doctoral level is Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration at $310,330.

  • The major with the least weighted median student loan debt at the Doctoral level is Area Studies at $29,644.
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professors as a Doctoral major has less weighted median student loan debt than a Master’s major: $43,408 vs. $115,251.
  • Professional law degrees (Juris Doctorate) account for 4.3% of the country’s total student loan debt: the most out of any of the professional, graduate majors.
Doctoral Degree Debt Table
College Major 2022 Median Debt
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $310,330
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $207,407
Psychology, Other $187,804
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $174,623
Human Services, General $163,078
Dispute Resolution $146,634
Public Administration $146,194
Communication and Media Studies $133,942
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems $129,461
Educational/Instructional Media Design $118,048
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $114,558
Computer and Information Sciences, General $112,777
Psychology, General $112,529
Religion/Religious Studies $111,714
Human Resources Management and Services $110,570
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $109,679
Criminal Justice and Corrections $104,384
Public Health $103,953
Health and Medical Administrative Services $101,589
Social Work $100,586
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $91,978
Education, Other $89,039
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $88,927
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $87,326
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $85,456
Business Administration, Management and Operations $85,038
Education, General $82,131
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $78,593
Theological and Ministerial Studies $76,975
English Language and Literature, General $73,551
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $69,890
Educational Administration and Supervision $65,314
Management Information Systems and Services $65,112
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research $59,624
Curriculum and Instruction $59,594
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology $55,559
Music $55,342
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $53,960
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $46,538
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $46,004
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $43,408
Biology, General $42,879
Area Studies $29,644

Sources

  1. Brookings Institute Report, Dept. of Education’s College Scorecard shows where student loans pay off… and where they don’t
  2. Texas Public Policy Foundation, College Student Loan Debt: 2022