The Pell Gap Within Fields: Same Major, Different Outcomes by Income

Median 4-year earnings for Pell recipients vs. non-Pell students in the same major

Key finding: Engineering and nursing show near-zero Pell gaps — the degree itself drives earnings regardless of background. Business and criminal justice show the largest gaps, suggesting networks and geography matter more.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard | Bachelor’s degrees