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Applied Mathematics

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Applied Mathematics.

Entry Level Salary
$55,736
Median Salary
$128,000
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
13.6%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $5,120,000
Entry (Early)
$55,736
Median (Prime)
$128,000
High (Prime)
$141,345

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+45k
+632k
+738k
$25k / yr
-45k
+542k
+648k
$50k / yr
-135k
+452k
+558k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
39
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
26
26
$50k / yr
Never
29
28

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-41%
498%
596%
$50k / yr
-62%
208%
257%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate47.7%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Software developers

12.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$168,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Mathematical science occupations

7.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,167
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,000|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

Postsecondary teachers

5.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,893|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management occupations

4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,783
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$175,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Computer systems analysts

3.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$105,850
openings
32,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.9%

Management analysts

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$100,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,980|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

Secondary school teachers

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,526|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Financial managers

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$157,891|$166,570
openings
65,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.7%

Top executives

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,730
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$231,713|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Computer and information systems managers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,174
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,000|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
applied mathematics.Bachelor's Degree203$50,388 - $170,689
applied mathematics.Master's Degree133$77,874 - $216,406
applied mathematics.Doctoral Degree43$139,015 - $139,015