STEM Specialization

Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics graduates earn $91,532 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 33.5%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Data Scientist is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics is a focused area of study within Mathematics. Graduates typically earn around $91,532 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 417 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 11,635 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$60,929
Median Earnings · 4yr
$91,532
Colleges Offering
417
Graduates / Year
11,635
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,559

How Much Do Applied Mathematics Graduates Earn?

Applied Mathematics graduates earn $91,532 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,368 and $127,252. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $60,929 climbs to $91,532 by year four.

$60,929
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$91,532
4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$92,803
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Applied Mathematics graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $91,532 against an estimated $82,236 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 314 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 11,635 students who complete Applied Mathematics programs each year, the majority (56%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Master's 56%
Bachelor's 40%
Doctorate 3%

What Can You Do With an Applied Mathematics Degree?

Applied Mathematics connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$167,220
$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally
Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
↗ +21.8% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$130,000
$98K $171K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,400 openings/yr 27K employed nationally
Judgment and Decision Making Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Comprehension Systems Evaluation
Day-to-day responsibilities

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

  • Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
  • Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing business.
  • Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
↗ +1.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$124,720
$89K $175K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 900 openings/yr 18K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

  • Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
  • Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
  • Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
↗ +33.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$120,230
$86K $159K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 23,400 openings/yr 262K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

  • Generate standard or custom reports summarizing business, financial, or economic data for review by executives, managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain or update business intelligence tools, databases, dashboards, systems, or methods.
  • Manage timely flow of business intelligence information to users.
↗ +6.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$117,330
$84K $158K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 4,800 openings/yr 64K employed nationally
Day-to-day responsibilities

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

↗ +8.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$105,650
$82K $141K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 2,000 openings/yr 29K employed nationally
Mathematics Mathematics Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

  • Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
  • Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
↗ +5.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$102,740
$79K $133K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 25,100 openings/yr 362K employed nationally
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

↗ +2.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$79,940
$62K $105K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 4,400 openings/yr 48K employed nationally
Mathematics Speaking Active Listening Instructing Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.

Top Colleges for Applied Mathematics

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Applied Mathematics students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public 454 49% $18,784 $74,502
2 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public 369 9% $12,548 $82,511
3 Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO · Nonprofit 351 12.1% $21,786 $86,182
4 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public 349 11% $13,481 $92,446
5 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public 319 26.7% $12,470 $84,943
6 New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit 287 9.2% $37,050 $82,509
7 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public 283 39.2% $14,091 $78,466
8 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit 271 9.8% $32,740 $92,498
9 University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 234 4.5% $14,860 $91,885
10 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit 205 6.4% $18,809 $87,555
11 Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ · Nonprofit 200 47.6% $41,346 $108,772
12 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public 196 42.4% $14,355 $81,054
13 Brown University Providence, RI · Nonprofit 194 5.4% $25,184 $93,487
14 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public 193 15.3% $11,655 $72,200
15 Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit 188 5.2% $30,915 $92,538
16 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PA · Nonprofit 185 87.4% $15,376 $52,374
17 University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public 184 33% $16,109 $74,915
18 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT · Public 166 52.4% $25,097 $73,997
19 Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public 164 78.2% $16,264 $63,742
20 The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX · Public 164 65.1% $18,267 $68,227

Ranked by Applied Mathematics graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Applied Mathematics program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Applied Mathematics Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Applied Mathematics a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $91,532 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $60,929 at graduation to $91,532 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +33.5% over the next decade, with Data Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 71,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Applied Mathematics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Applied Mathematics graduates earn?
Applied Mathematics graduates earn a national median of $91,532 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,368 and $127,252. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Applied Mathematics degree?
One year after graduation, Applied Mathematics degree holders earn a median of $60,929. That climbs to $91,532 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Applied Mathematics degree?
Applied Mathematics degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Applied Mathematics program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Applied Mathematics students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer Applied Mathematics?
417 colleges and universities in the United States offer Applied Mathematics programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Applied Mathematics degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $91,532 and an average net price of roughly $20,559/yr, a Applied Mathematics degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Applied Mathematics and Mathematics?
Applied Mathematics is a focused concentration within the broader Mathematics field. The Mathematics major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Applied Mathematics-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Applied Mathematics graduates?
Employers hiring Applied Mathematics graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Applied Mathematics graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Applied Mathematics graduates?
The job outlook for Applied Mathematics graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +10.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Data Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +33.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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