Best colleges for Statistics
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Statistics by graduate earnings are Harvard University ($141,116), University of Pennsylvania ($129,732) and Duke University ($97,197), 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%.
- Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): $141,116, 120 graduates a year
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): $129,732, 71 graduates a year
- Duke University (Durham, NC): $97,197, 99 graduates a year
- Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA): $93,111, 160 graduates a year
- University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): $83,227, 133 graduates a year
Compare 249 U.S. colleges offering Statistics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 49 states.
Statistics programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $61,702 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 27.05 and the Statisticians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Statistics programs
The Statistics program focuses on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. This field is essential for making informed decisions based on quantitative information and is suitable for students interested in mathematics and its applications in various sectors. Students will develop a strong foundation in statistical methods and their practical uses in real-world scenarios.
Core skills in this program include mathematics, critical thinking, and data analysis. Coursework typically covers statistical methods, mathematical statistics, and probability, equipping students with the knowledge needed to evaluate and interpret data effectively.
Top 25 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 | Harvard University Cambridge, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $141,116 | 120 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $129,732 | 71 | 97% | $22,055 | — |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $97,197 | 99 | 97% | $16,260 | $13,500 |
| 4 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $93,111 | 160 | 94% | $23,803 | $21,375 |
| 5 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $83,227 | 133 | 93% | — | $16,165 |
| 6 | University of Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $82,681 | 100 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 7 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $82,531 | 126 | 95% | $17,613 | — |
| 8 | Northwestern University Evanston, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $77,917 | 54 | 95% | $14,799 | $14,000 |
| 9 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $76,759 | 39 | 84% | $33,246 | $19,750 |
| 10 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $75,095 | 22 | 75% | — | $20,411 |
| 11 | University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,991 | 156 | 96% | — | $18,500 |
| 12 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,579 | 296 | 83% | — | $19,500 |
| 13 | University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $69,543 | 31 | 79% | — | — |
| 14 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,636 | 434 | 85% | — | $19,394 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,254 | 90 | 86% | — | $22,500 |
| 16 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $66,434 | 113 | 85% | — | $21,750 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,684 | 129 | 90% | — | $26,000 |
| 18 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,371 | 187 | 93% | — | $23,250 |
| 19 | Brigham Young University Provo, UT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $63,671 | 89 | 81% | $13,712 | $10,750 |
| 20 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $63,649 | 41 | 81% | — | $25,625 |
| 21 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $63,477 | 148 | 84% | — | $24,028 |
| 22 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $62,598 | 53 | 86% | — | $15,500 |
| 23 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,702 | 93 | 80% | — | $23,875 |
| 24 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,765 | 24 | 75% | — | $26,816 |
| 25 | Emory University Atlanta, GA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $60,714 | 147 | 91% | $20,586 | $20,983 |
Top certificate or associate program
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapman University Orange, CA Private not-for-profit · Certificate Small program | $57,048 | 18 | 82% | $42,965 | $18,250 |
Specializations within Statistics
4 of the 4 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 27.05 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 49 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-2041, Statisticians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Statistics program can expect a much faster than average job growth of 8.5%, with approximately 2,000 annual openings in the field. The median wage for statisticians is $103,300, and most positions require a master's degree for entry.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Statistics
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 27.05.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 27.05 (Statistics) maps to 7 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 |
| 15-2011 | Actuaries |
| 15-2021 | Mathematicians |
| 15-2041 | Statisticiansprimary |
| 15-2051 | Data Scientists |
| 19-3022 | Survey Researchers |
| 25-1022 | Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Statistics 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
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
- Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Statistics program?+
The program focuses on data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, and data analysis.
What is the job outlook for statisticians?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with 2,000 annual openings.
What is the typical education required for a career in statistics?+
Most positions require a master's degree.
How much do Statistics graduates earn?+
Statistics graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $61,702, College Scorecard (2019); the Statisticians occupation pays about $115,700 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Statistics?+
Statistics maps to CIP 27.05 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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