UnisHub University Compass

Statistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Statistics is a rigorous academic discipline centered on the systematic analysis of data to uncover patterns, relationships, and meaningful insights across diverse fields. It leverages mathematical foundations in probability to interpret variability, make informed inferences, and support decision-making in research, industry, and public policy.

  • Probability Theory: The core framework for quantifying uncertainty and modeling random phenomena, forming the basis for statistical inference and predictive modeling.
  • Regression Analysis: A method for examining the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables, enabling prediction and causal interpretation.
  • Standard Deviation: A measure of data dispersion that quantifies the spread of observations around the mean, essential for assessing variability and reliability.
  • Sampling Theory: The study of how to select representative subsets from populations to ensure valid and generalizable statistical conclusions.
  • Binomial Distribution: A discrete probability distribution that models the number of successes in a fixed number of independent trials with two possible outcomes.
  • Stochastic Processes: Mathematical models describing systems that evolve over time in a probabilistic manner, used in finance, engineering, and biological systems.
  • Monte Carlo Method: A computational technique that uses random sampling to estimate complex mathematical results, particularly useful in simulations and risk analysis.
  • Bayesian Statistics: An approach that updates probabilities based on new evidence, incorporating prior knowledge to refine statistical conclusions.
  • Non-Parametric Statistics: A class of methods that do not assume a specific distribution for data, offering robust alternatives when traditional assumptions are violated.
  • Statistical Techniques: A broad set of analytical tools and procedures for data collection, organization, interpretation, and visualization across scientific and applied domains.

Statistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

7,709
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
202
Universities & Colleges
6
Career Pathways

Statistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Statistics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries and Data Scientists. 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 448,990 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
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
Survey Researchers 19-3022 $63,380 $36,950 - $118,730 7,720 $30.47

Salary Comparison

Statistics Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,955 in Louisiana to $133,437 in California—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 448,990 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 Statistics by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 100 institutions offering Statistics 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 Statistics is found at University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (405 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (401 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (311 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (287 graduates), and University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (271 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,083 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
University of California (UCSB)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
405 N/A Santa Barbara, California Public ucsb.edu
Columbia University in the City of New York
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
401 SAT: 1490-1570
ACT: 34-35
New York, New York Private columbia.edu
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
311 SAT: 1270-1510
ACT: 29-34
Champaign, Illinois Public illinois.edu
University of California (UCD)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
287 N/A Davis, California Public ucdavis.edu
University of California (UCLA)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
271 N/A Los Angeles, California Public ucla.edu
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
182 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Private cmu.edu
University of Virginia (UVA)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
178 SAT: 1410-1530
ACT: 32-34
Charlottesville, Virginia Public virginia.edu
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
173 SAT: 1360-1510
ACT: 28-32
Madison, Wisconsin Public wisc.edu
University of California (UCB)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
166 N/A Berkeley, California Public berkeley.edu
Rutgers University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
164 SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 28-33
New Brunswick, New Jersey Public newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
University of Michigan (U‑M)
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
163 SAT: 1350-1530
ACT: 31-34
Ann Arbor, Michigan Public umich.edu
North Carolina State University (NC State)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
150 SAT: 1300-1460
ACT: 28-32
Raleigh, North Carolina Public ncsu.edu
Texas A & M University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
143 SAT: 1140-1380
ACT: 25-31
College Station, Texas Public tamu.edu
Emory University
Bachelor's
135 SAT: 1460-1550
ACT: 32-34
Atlanta, Georgia Private emory.edu
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Master's
135 SAT: 1530-1580
ACT: 34-35
Baltimore, Maryland Private jhu.edu
The University of Texas
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
133 SAT: 1230-1490
ACT: 27-33
Austin, Texas Public utexas.edu
University of Florida (UF)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Residency
129 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 28-33
Gainesville, Florida Public ufl.edu
University of Connecticut (UConn)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
124 SAT: 1210-1420
ACT: 29-33
Storrs, Connecticut Public uconn.edu
Duke University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
121 SAT: 1510-1570
ACT: 34-35
Durham, North Carolina Private duke.edu
University of Chicago (UChicago)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
108 SAT: 1510-1570
ACT: 34-35
Chicago, Illinois Private uchicago.edu
Cornell University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
100 SAT: 1480-1560
ACT: 33-35
Ithaca, New York Private cornell.edu
Harvard University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
98 SAT: 1500-1580
ACT: 34-36
Cambridge, Massachusetts Private harvard.edu
Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
90 SAT: 1220-1400
ACT: 27-32
University Park, Pennsylvania Public psu.edu
University of Washington (UW)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
90 N/A Seattle, Washington Public washington.edu
Florida State University (FSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
85 SAT: 1240-1390
ACT: 27-31
Tallahassee, Florida Public fsu.edu
University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
83 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Private upenn.edu
Pennsylvania State University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
83 SAT: 1100-1340
ACT: 18-30
University Park, Pennsylvania Public worldcampus.psu.edu
Yale University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
81 SAT: 1500-1580
ACT: 33-35
New Haven, Connecticut Private yale.edu
Boston University (BU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
79 SAT: 1400-1520
ACT: 32-34
Boston, Massachusetts Private bu.edu
University of Minnesota (UMN)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
78 SAT: 1310-1480
ACT: 27-31
Minneapolis, Minnesota Public twin-cities.umn.edu
Ohio State University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
77 SAT: 1330-1480
ACT: 29-32
Columbus, Ohio Public osu.edu
Northwestern University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
73 SAT: 1490-1560
ACT: 33-35
Evanston, Illinois Private northwestern.edu
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
70 SAT: 1190-1350
ACT: 25-29
Orlando, Florida Public ucf.edu
University of Missouri (Mizzou)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
Other Award
68 SAT: 1150-1330
ACT: 23-29
Columbia, Missouri Public missouri.edu
Stanford University
Master's
Doctorate (R)
68 SAT: 1510-1580
ACT: 34-35
Stanford, California Private stanford.edu
Western Illinois University (WIU)
Master's
65 N/A Macomb, Illinois Public wiu.edu
Rice University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
65 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-36
Houston, Texas Private rice.edu
University of Georgia (UGA)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
61 SAT: 1160-1390
ACT: 25-32
Athens, Georgia Public uga.edu
California State University (CSUEB)
Bachelor's
Master's
60 N/A Hayward, California Public csueastbay.edu
Iowa State University (ISU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
60 SAT: 1110-1350
ACT: 21-28
Ames, Iowa Public iastate.edu
Purdue University (PU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52 SAT: 1190-1460
ACT: 27-34
West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdue.edu
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
Bachelor's
Master's
50 N/A San Luis Obispo, California Public calpoly.edu
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Bachelor's
Master's
48 SAT: 1210-1410 New York, New York Public baruch.cuny.edu
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
48 SAT: 1320-1480
ACT: 30-34
Dallas, Texas Private smu.edu
University of Rochester
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
47 SAT: 1400-1540
ACT: 31-34
Rochester, New York Private rochester.edu
Miami University
Bachelor's
Master's
47 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 26-31
Oxford, Ohio Public miamioh.edu
Michigan State University (MSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
44 SAT: 1150-1350
ACT: 26-31
East Lansing, Michigan Public msu.edu
Washington University in St Louis (WashU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 33-35
Saint Louis, Missouri Private wustl.edu
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
41 N/A San Diego, California Public sdsu.edu
New York University (NYU)
Bachelor's
Master's
39 SAT: 1480-1570
ACT: 33-35
New York, New York Private nyu.edu
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
38 SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 29-33
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Public pitt.edu
Kansas State University (K‑State)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
36 SAT: 1040-1260
ACT: 20-27
Manhattan, Kansas Public k-state.edu
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Bachelor's
Master's
36 SAT: 1290-1450
ACT: 28-32
Provo, Utah Private byu.edu
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
36 SAT: 1240-1420
ACT: 27-32
Blacksburg, Virginia Public vt.edu
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
35 SAT: 940-1190
ACT: 21-28
Allendale, Michigan Public gvsu.edu
Utah State University (USU)
Bachelor's
Master's
35 SAT: 1060-1300
ACT: 20-28
Logan, Utah Public usu.edu
Colorado State University (CSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
34 N/A Fort Collins, Colorado Public colostate.edu
University of South Florida (USF)
Bachelor's
Master's
34 SAT: 1140-1330
ACT: 24-29
Tampa, Florida Public usf.edu
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Bachelor's
Master's
33 SAT: 1120-1340
ACT: 25-32
Chicago, Illinois Public uic.edu
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Master's
31 SAT: 1058-1175
ACT: 19-24
Phoenix, Arizona Private gcu.edu
University of California (UCI)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
31 N/A Irvine, California Public uci.edu
George Washington University (GW)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
30 SAT: 1350-1500
ACT: 31-34
Washington, District of Columbia Private gwu.edu
University of Delaware (UD)
Bachelor's
Master's
29 SAT: 1200-1360
ACT: 27-31
Newark, Delaware Public udel.edu
The University of Tennessee
Bachelor's
Master's
29 SAT: 1190-1340
ACT: 25-31
Knoxville, Tennessee Public utk.edu
The University of Texas
Master's
Doctorate (R)
29 SAT: 1170-1410
ACT: 25-32
Richardson, Texas Public utdallas.edu
University of California (UCR)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
28 N/A Riverside, California Public ucr.edu
Temple University
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
28 N/A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Public temple.edu
Williams College
Bachelor's
27 SAT: 1470-1560
ACT: 33-35
Williamstown, Massachusetts Private williams.edu
The University of Texas (UTSA)
Bachelor's
Master's
27 SAT: 1000-1200
ACT: 19-26
San Antonio, Texas Public utsa.edu
Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26 N/A Tempe, Arizona Public asu.edu
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26 SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
Stillwater, Oklahoma Public okstate.edu
University of Iowa
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
25 SAT: 1130-1320
ACT: 22-28
Iowa City, Iowa Public uiowa.edu
University of Maryland (UMBC)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
25 SAT: 1220-1410
ACT: 23-30
Baltimore, Maryland Public umbc.edu
Central Michigan University (CMU)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
25 SAT: 960-1210
ACT: 21-27
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Public cmich.edu
Wake Forest University (WFC)
Bachelor's
Master's
24 SAT: 1390-1510
ACT: 32-34
Winston-Salem, North Carolina Private wfu.edu
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
Master's
23 N/A New York, New York Public gc.cuny.edu
National University (NU)
Master's
21 N/A San Diego, California Private nu.edu
University of Maryland (UMCP)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
21 SAT: 1370-1520
ACT: 32-35
College Park, Maryland Public umd.edu
University of South Carolina (USC)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
21 SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 26-32
Columbia, South Carolina Public sc.edu
University of Kentucky (UK)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
20 SAT: 1080-1290
ACT: 21-28
Lexington, Kentucky Public uky.edu
Villanova University
Bachelor's
20 SAT: 1400-1510
ACT: 32-34
Villanova, Pennsylvania Private villanova.edu
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU)
Master's
20 SAT: 1100-1270
ACT: 24-28
West Chester, Pennsylvania Public wcupa.edu
University of Wisconsin (UWL)
Bachelor's
20 ACT: 21-27 La Crosse, Wisconsin Public uwlax.edu
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
Bachelor's
Master's
19 N/A San Francisco, California Public sfsu.edu
Amherst College
Bachelor's
19 SAT: 1360-1550
ACT: 31-35
Amherst, Massachusetts Private amherst.edu
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
Bachelor's
Master's
19 SAT: 1430-1540
ACT: 32-35
Cleveland, Ohio Private case.edu
California State University (CSULB)
Bachelor's
18 N/A Long Beach, California Public csulb.edu
Indiana University (IUB)
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
18 SAT: 1170-1400
ACT: 27-32
Bloomington, Indiana Public indiana.edu
Western Michigan University (WMU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
18 SAT: 990-1220
ACT: 20-27
Kalamazoo, Michigan Public wmich.edu
Oregon State University (OSU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
18 N/A Corvallis, Oregon Public oregonstate.edu
University of Colorado Boulder (CU)
Bachelor's
17 SAT: 1230-1420
ACT: 28-33
Boulder, Colorado Public colorado.edu
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Master's
17 SAT: 1330-1530
ACT: 28-34
Atlanta, Georgia Public gatech.edu
University at Buffalo (UB)
Bachelor's
17 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 27-32
Buffalo, New York Public buffalo.edu
George Mason University
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
17 SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-30
Fairfax, Virginia Public www2.gmu.edu
American University (AU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
16 SAT: 1300-1450
ACT: 29-33
Washington, District of Columbia Private american.edu
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
16 ACT: 19-24 Fargo, North Dakota Public ndsu.edu
University of Arizona
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
15 SAT: 1160-1420
ACT: 21-30
Tucson, Arizona Public arizona.edu
California State University (CSUF)
Master's
15 N/A Fullerton, California Public fullerton.edu
University of Massachusetts
Master's
Doctorate (R)
15 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 29-33
Amherst, Massachusetts Public umass.edu
Carleton College
Bachelor's
15 SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 32-34
Northfield, Minnesota Private carleton.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Statistics programs

How much can I earn with a Statistics degree?

Salaries for Statistics 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 $133,437 compared to $75,955 in Louisiana. Approximately 448,990 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 Statistics programs?

Currently 202 accredited institutions offer Statistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (405 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (401 graduates), and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (311 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 Statistics growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,758 in 2010 to a peak of 8,269 in 2020, before declining slightly to 7,709 in 2023-24. This represents a 180% 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 Statistics degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Actuaries, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 448,990 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.

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