Applied Mathematics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Mathematics equips students with advanced analytical and computational tools to tackle real-world challenges in science, engineering, and industry. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes the development and implementation of mathematical models and algorithms to solve complex, data-driven problems across diverse domains.
- Numerical Analysis: Techniques for approximating solutions to mathematical problems using computational algorithms, essential for simulations and large-scale calculations.
- Discrete Mathematics: The study of structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous, forming the foundation for computer science and algorithm design.
- Operations Research: A methodological approach to decision-making using mathematical modeling, optimization, and statistical analysis to improve efficiency and performance.
- Optimization: The process of finding the best solution from a set of feasible alternatives, critical in resource allocation, logistics, and system design.
- Differential Equations: Mathematical equations that describe how quantities change, widely used to model dynamic systems in physics, engineering, and biology.
- Statistics: Methods for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, enabling evidence-based conclusions and predictions in uncertain environments.
- Scientific Computation: The use of high-performance computing to solve complex mathematical problems arising in scientific research and engineering applications.
- Interdisciplinary Applications: Practical implementation of mathematical techniques in specialized fields such as climate modeling, biomedical engineering, financial systems, and advanced manufacturing.
Applied Mathematics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied Mathematics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied Mathematics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries and Mathematicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 448,150 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Actuaries 15-2011 | $125,770 | $75,240 - $206,430 | 28,340 | $60.47 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1022 | $79,350 | $48,150 - $161,020 | 48,820 | N/A |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Salary Comparison
Applied Mathematics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,955 in Louisiana to $148,929 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 448,150 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied Mathematics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Applied Mathematics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied Mathematics is found at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) (157 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (103 graduates), Stanford University (63 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (60 graduates), and Colorado School of Mines (52 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 824 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
157 | N/A | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | harrisburgu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
103 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
63 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
60 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52 |
SAT: 1320-1470 ACT: 29-33 |
Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
|
43 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
43 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
42 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Bachelor's
|
41 | N/A | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-36 |
Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Bryant University |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 28-32 |
Smithfield, Rhode Island | Private | bryant.edu |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-25 |
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania | Public | sru.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Master's
|
10 | N/A | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Saint Mary's College of California |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | Moraga, California | Private | stmarys-ca.edu |
| Saint Mary's College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | saintmarys.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | SAT: 1140-1420 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 24-29 |
Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
5 | N/A | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 20-26 |
California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1160-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | SAT: 1110-1320 | Willimantic, Connecticut | Public | easternct.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1045-1300 ACT: 22-26 |
Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
| Shenandoah University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Winchester, Virginia | Private | su.edu |
| Shepherd University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 900-1140 ACT: 20-24 |
Shepherdstown, West Virginia | Public | shepherd.edu |
| Emmanuel College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1170-1330 ACT: 26-31 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emmanuel.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 22-27 |
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 850-1070 ACT: 15-21 |
Portales, New Mexico | Public | enmu.edu |
| Siena College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1093-1360 ACT: 26-29 |
Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
| Wittenberg University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Springfield, Ohio | Private | wittenberg.edu |
| Saint Michael's College (SMC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1150-1310 ACT: 22-30 |
Colchester, Vermont | Private | smcvt.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | N/A | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Louisiana Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Pineville, Louisiana | Private | lcuniversity.edu |
| Plymouth State University (PSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Public | plymouth.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1180-1390 ACT: 25-33 |
Old Westbury, New York | Private | nyit.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-29 |
Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
| Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 988-1258 ACT: 21-27 |
Tacoma, Washington | Private | plu.edu |
| Lakeland University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Plymouth, Wisconsin | Private | lakeland.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied Mathematics programs
How much can I earn with a Applied Mathematics degree?
Salaries for Applied Mathematics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Actuaries earn around $125,770. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $148,929 compared to $75,955 in Louisiana. Approximately 448,150 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied Mathematics programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Applied Mathematics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) (157 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (103 graduates), and Stanford University (63 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Applied Mathematics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 49 in 2010 to a peak of 906 in 2020, before declining slightly to 824 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,582% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Applied Mathematics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries, and Mathematicians. Related occupations employ approximately 448,150 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Mathematics Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Mathematics field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Applied Mathematics
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to the solution of functional problems in fields such as engineering and the applied...
Computational Mathematics
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to the theory, architecture, and design of computers, computational techniques, and algorithms. Includes instruction...
Financial Mathematics
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics and statistics to the finance industry, including the development, critique, and use of various...
Mathematical Biology
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology and systems of analysis of...
Applied Mathematics
Any instructional program in applied mathematics not listed above.
Statistics
A general program that focuses on the relationships between groups of measurements, and similarities and differences, using probability theory and techniques derived from...
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.