Best colleges for Operations Research
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Operations Research by graduate earnings are Columbia University ($110,457), Princeton University ($100,354) and Cornell University ($96,377), 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%.
- Columbia University (New York, NY): $110,457, 433 graduates a year
- Princeton University (Princeton, NJ): $100,354, 90 graduates a year
- Cornell University (Ithaca, NY): $96,377, 239 graduates a year
- University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): $88,685, 300 graduates a year
- Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX): $72,658, 28 graduates a year
Compare 33 U.S. colleges offering Operations Research by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 19 states.
Operations Research programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $96,377 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.37 and the Operations Research Analysts occupation (BLS SOC).
About Operations Research programs
Operations Research is a specialized field within engineering that focuses on applying analytical methods to enhance management and decision-making processes. This program is designed for students interested in utilizing mathematical modeling and data analysis to solve complex organizational problems and improve efficiency across various sectors.
Students in the Operations Research program will develop essential skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and data analysis. Coursework typically covers topics such as statistical tests, mathematical modeling, and management reporting, equipping graduates with the knowledge required to tackle real-world challenges in decision-making.
Top 5 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 | Columbia University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $110,457 | 433 | 96% | $15,315 | — |
| 2 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $100,354 | 90 | 98% | $13,729 | — |
| 3 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $96,377 | 239 | 95% | $17,613 | $15,000 |
| 4 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $88,685 | 300 | 93% | — | — |
| 5 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $72,658 | 28 | 84% | $33,246 | $20,500 |
Specializations within Operations Research
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.37 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 4 | $110,457 | Columbia University |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | $100,354 | Princeton University |
| California | 3 | $88,685 | University of California-Berkeley |
| Texas | 3 | $72,658 | Southern Methodist University |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinois | 3 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 3 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-2031, Operations Research Analysts, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Operations Research can expect a promising career outlook, with a projected growth rate of 21.5% and approximately 9,600 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $91,290, and a typical education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Operations Research
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.37.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.37 (Operations Research) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 15-2031 | Operations Research Analystsprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Operations Research 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
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Common questions
What is Operations Research?+
Operations Research is a branch of applied mathematics that focuses on improving management and decision-making through analytical methods.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for Operations Research graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 21.5% and about 9,600 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for someone in this field?+
The median wage for Operations Research professionals is $91,290.
How much do Operations Research graduates earn?+
Operations Research graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $96,377, College Scorecard (2019); the Operations Research Analysts occupation pays about $99,730 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Operations Research?+
Operations Research maps to CIP 14.37 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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