Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn $118,943 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.
Mathematics and Computer Science is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $118,943 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 98 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,489 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$89,651
Median Earnings · 4yr
$118,943
Colleges Offering
98
Graduates / Year
1,489
Avg Net Price / yr
$21,307
How Much Do Mathematics and Computer Science Graduates Earn?
Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn $118,943 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,135 and $174,935.
$89,651
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$118,943
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$137,218
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 Mathematics and Computer Science graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.
$77,13525th pct.
$118,943Median
$174,93575th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $118,943 against an estimated $85,228 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 85 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 1,489 students who complete Mathematics and Computer Science programs each year, the majority (80%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
80%
Bachelor's80%
Master's18%
Doctorate1%
What Can You Do With a Mathematics and Computer Science Degree?
Mathematics and Computer Science connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Computer & Information Systems Manager leads at $175,140/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
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.
ProgrammingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
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.
Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
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 Mathematics and Computer Science
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Mathematics and Computer Science students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Mathematics and Computer Science graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Mathematics and Computer Science is one of 39 specializations within Interdisciplinary Studies. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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Mathematics and Computer Science Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Mathematics and Computer Science a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $118,943 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $89,651 at graduation to $118,943 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +33.5% over the next decade, with Data Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 210,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop 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.
Mathematics and Computer Science Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn?
Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn a national median of $118,943 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,135 and $174,935. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Mathematics and Computer Science degree?
One year after graduation, Mathematics and Computer Science degree holders earn a median of $89,651. That climbs to $118,943 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Mathematics and Computer Science degree?
Mathematics and Computer Science degree holders pursue careers including Computer & Information Systems Manager, which pays a median of $175,140/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Mathematics and Computer Science program take?
A Mathematics and Computer Science bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Mathematics and Computer Science?
98 colleges and universities in the United States offer Mathematics and Computer Science programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Mathematics and Computer Science degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $118,943 and an average net price of roughly $21,307/yr, a Mathematics and Computer Science 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 Mathematics and Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Studies?
Mathematics and Computer Science is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Mathematics and Computer Science-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 Mathematics and Computer Science graduates?
Employers hiring Mathematics and Computer Science graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates?
With a median salary of $118,943, graduate study in Mathematics and Computer Science can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. 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 Mathematics and Computer Science graduates?
The job outlook for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +12.6% 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.
Related Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Other programs in Interdisciplinary Studies. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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