HUMANITIES Specialization

Mathematics and Computer Science

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.

About Mathematics and Computer Science

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.


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.

Bachelor's 80%
Master's 18%
Doctorate 1%

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.

↗ +15.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$175,140
$138K $221K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 55,600 openings/yr 671K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

  • Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
  • Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
  • Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
↗ +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.
↗ +15.8% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$135,980
$105K $172K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 115,200 openings/yr 1.7M employed nationally
Programming Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Active 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.
↗ +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.
↗ +5.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$96,980
$67K $131K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 3,500 openings/yr 35K employed nationally
Instructing Reading Comprehension Writing Speaking Active Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities

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.
↗ +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 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.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public 299 26.7% $12,470 $84,943
2 Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA · Nonprofit 103 48% $50,062 $109,183
3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public 87 42.4% $14,355 $81,054
4 The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX · Public 66 79.9% $13,951 $63,199
5 George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public 64 87.5% $17,915 $76,343
6 University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL · Public 51 77.4% $10,974 $68,740
7 Brown University Providence, RI · Nonprofit 48 5.4% $25,184 $93,487
8 Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 47 54.9% $18,425 $82,592
9 University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public 45 28.6% $14,251 $80,735
10 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH · Public 45 59.7% $13,946 $46,600
11 Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO · Nonprofit 37 12.1% $21,786 $86,182
12 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI · Public 34 84.6% $15,273 $53,562
13 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit 30 4.6% $20,111 $143,372
14 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit 26 4% $21,590 $102,491
15 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public 25 79.6% $15,435 $57,289
16 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA · Public 18 93.3% $21,193 $62,569
17 Wellesley College Wellesley, MA · Nonprofit 17 14.1% $25,496 $84,803
18 Pepperdine University Malibu, CA · Nonprofit 16 62.9% $58,098 $82,939
19 University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public 14 88.3% $22,182 $61,324
20 University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE · Public 14 87% $13,441 $53,909

Ranked by Mathematics and Computer Science 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 Mathematics and Computer Science program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

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 salary Graduates earn $118,943 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $89,651 at graduation to $118,943 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 210,600 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.

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.

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