Is an applied mathematics degree worth it?

Questions

Is an applied mathematics degree worth it?

On average yes — across 61 U.S. bachelor’s programs (FREOPP 2021, cohort-weighted), the mean lifetime ROI for Applied Mathematics is +$644,007 and the median is +$567,719. 2.8% of graduate cohort weight with reported break-even data is in programs flagged as never breaking even. The honest answer depends heavily on the specific program and school: the middle half of graduates land between +$328,715 and +$904,526.

How long until an applied mathematics degree pays off?

For Applied Mathematics, Among programs that break even, the median program-estimated break-even age, weighted by graduate cohorts, is 29. 2.8% of graduate cohort weight with reported break-even data is in programs flagged as never breaking even. FREOPP 2021.

Does the school matter for an applied mathematics major?

Enormously. The middle 50% of Applied Mathematics graduates span +$328,715 to +$904,526 — a +$576K spread within one major. The same field can be a strong trade at one school and a losing one at another, which is why the per-school number matters more than the field average.