STEM Specialization

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics graduates earn $88,839 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 Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics is a focused area of study within Mathematics. Graduates typically earn around $88,839 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 49 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 671 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$59,063
Median Earnings · 4yr
$88,839
Colleges Offering
49
Graduates / Year
671
Avg Net Price / yr
$26,609

How Much Do Mathematics and Statistics Graduates Earn?

Mathematics and Statistics graduates earn $88,839 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,883 and $125,218. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $59,063 climbs to $88,839 by year four.

$59,063
1 Year After Graduation

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

$88,839
4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$87,419
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 Statistics 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 $88,839 against an estimated $106,436 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 39 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 671 students who complete Mathematics and Statistics programs each year, the majority (85%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 85%
Master's 8%
Doctorate 4%

What Can You Do With a Mathematics and Statistics Degree?

Mathematics and Statistics connects to 3 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.
↗ +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.
↗ +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 Statistics

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Mathematics and Statistics 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 New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit 166 9.2% $37,050 $82,509
2 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit 160 11.3% $26,780 $99,980
3 Fordham University Bronx, NY · Nonprofit 44 59.3% $44,338 $85,569
4 Emory University Atlanta, GA · Nonprofit 39 10.7% $22,585 $80,137
5 Barnard College New York, NY · Nonprofit 27 8.8% $28,800 $80,516
6 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit 24 11.7% $31,944 $114,862
7 Webster University Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit 20 86.2% $27,047 $50,876
8 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public 19 79.6% $15,435 $57,289
9 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA · Public 16 58.1% $30,434 $66,125
10 American University Washington, DC · Nonprofit 10 62% $41,943 $77,370
11 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA · Nonprofit 9 60.2% $43,071 $103,470
12 Chatham University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit 8 62% $29,954 $52,410
13 Rutgers University-Camden Camden, NJ · Public 7 66.3% $18,745 $74,479
14 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY · Public 6 77.6% $11,040 $45,795
15 Saint Mary's College of California Moraga, CA · Nonprofit 6 86.5% $30,378 $78,812
16 Montana Technological University Butte, MT · Public 6 91.1% $16,481 $54,329
17 Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 5 84.3% $10,970 $58,656
18 Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit 4 76% $25,292 $59,354
19 Carroll College Helena, MT · Nonprofit 4 70.9% $23,960 $61,772
20 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA · Public 3 55.4% $15,931 $47,384

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

Mathematics and Statistics Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Mathematics and Statistics a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $88,839 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $59,063 at graduation to $88,839 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 36,300 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.
  • Limited program availability Only 49 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Mathematics and Statistics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mathematics and Statistics graduates earn?
Mathematics and Statistics graduates earn a national median of $88,839 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,883 and $125,218. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Mathematics and Statistics degree?
One year after graduation, Mathematics and Statistics degree holders earn a median of $59,063. That climbs to $88,839 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 Statistics degree?
Mathematics and Statistics 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 Mathematics and Statistics program take?
A Mathematics and Statistics 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 Statistics?
49 colleges and universities in the United States offer Mathematics and Statistics programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Mathematics and Statistics degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $88,839 and an average net price of roughly $26,609/yr, a Mathematics and Statistics 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 Statistics and Mathematics?
Mathematics and Statistics is a focused concentration within the broader Mathematics field. The Mathematics major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Mathematics and Statistics-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 Statistics graduates?
Employers hiring Mathematics and Statistics 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 Mathematics and Statistics 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 Mathematics and Statistics graduates?
The job outlook for Mathematics and Statistics graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +13.2% 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.

Continue Exploring

Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.