Best colleges for Mathematics and Computer Science
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Mathematics and Computer Science by graduate earnings are Harvey Mudd College ($166,573), Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($126,153) and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($109,843), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA): $166,573, 54 graduates a year
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): $126,153, 29 graduates a year
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL): $109,843, 101 graduates a year
- Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA): $91,851, 119 graduates a year
- University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA): $89,651, 454 graduates a year
Compare 77 U.S. colleges offering Mathematics and Computer Science by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 31 states.
Mathematics and Computer Science programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $89,651 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 30.08 and the Mathematicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Mathematics and Computer Science programs
The Mathematics and Computer Science program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining essential concepts from both fields to prepare students for a dynamic career landscape. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about problem-solving, analytical thinking, and the application of mathematical principles in computer science contexts.
Students will develop core skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and reading comprehension, along with knowledge in computers and electronics. Coursework typically includes advanced mathematical techniques, programming, and data analysis, equipping graduates with a robust foundation for various technical roles.
Top 9 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $166,573 | 54 | 92% | $22,858 | $23,000 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $126,153 | 29 | 96% | $11,666 | — |
| 3 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $109,843 | 101 | 85% | — | $23,350 |
| 4 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $91,851 | 119 | 88% | $44,094 | $21,500 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $89,651 | 454 | 86% | — | $18,887 |
| 6 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,137 | 33 | 52% | — | $24,813 |
| 7 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,179 | 99 | 68% | — | $27,000 |
| 8 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,143 | 50 | 62% | — | $19,750 |
| 9 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $86,109 | 10 | 75% | — | $28,185 |
Specializations within Mathematics and Computer Science
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 30.08 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 31 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 4 | $126,153 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Illinois | 9 | $109,843 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| California | 11 | $91,851 | Harvey Mudd College |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $86,109 | Temple University |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | $68,137 | University of Akron Main Campus |
| Virginia | 4 | $53,179 | George Mason University |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indiana | 3 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michigan | 5 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 5 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregon | 5 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texas | 4 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-2021, Mathematicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Mathematics and Computer Science program can pursue careers in various sectors, with an annual median wage of $121,680. The job outlook indicates little or no change, with approximately 100 annual openings and a typical education requirement of a Master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Mathematics and Computer Science
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.08.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.08 (Mathematics and Computer Science) maps to 9 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers |
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 15-1252 | Software Developers |
| 15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other |
| 15-2021 | Mathematiciansprimary |
| 15-2051 | Data Scientists |
| 15-2099 | Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other |
| 25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1022 | Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Mathematics and Computer Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
Common questions
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Graduates can work in fields such as data analysis, software development, and research.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and computer science.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 100 annual openings.
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Master's degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn?+
Mathematics and Computer Science graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $89,651, College Scorecard (2019); the Mathematicians occupation pays about $129,260 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Mathematics and Computer Science?+
Mathematics and Computer Science maps to CIP 30.08 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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