by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 351 U.S. colleges awarded 11,612 degrees and certificates in Applied Mathematics. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 54% of graduates. College Factual ranks 145 schools in its 2027 Best Applied Mathematics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $69,764 one year after completing, rising to $103,881 after four years.
Contrary to the popular belief of bored high school students, math is useful in the real world! Applied Mathematics is the study of mathematical formulas and statistics that are used in everyday life.
The broad groundwork of mathematical skills you obtain from this major will be useful for a variety of careers. In addition to math classes, students will take statistics, computer science and physics. Some of the material you learn can be applied to engineering. Classes that you may take will be numerical analysis, optimization theory, calculus, computer science, differential equations, linear algebra, physics, numerical analysis, and systems design.
Concentrations in this major include: Computational Mathematics; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Financial Mathematics; and Mathematical Biology.
A degree in Applied Mathematics covers Applied Mathematics.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., applied mathematics is a popular field of study, with 11,612 degrees awarded annually. 351 colleges award applied mathematics degrees, an average of 33 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 391.
By level, the 11,612 awards include 4 certificates, 26 associate degrees, 4,934 bachelor’s degrees, 6,325 master’s degrees and 323 doctorates.
Women earned 36% of applied mathematics degrees and certificates in the latest year (4,191 of 11,612). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (3,378) and Asian (1,456), and international students earned 5,001.
College Factual ranks 145 schools in its 2027 Best Applied Mathematics Schools ranking, including 73 for bachelor’s degrees, 107 for master’s degrees and 7 for doctorates. It also ranks applied mathematics schools within 31 states. In all, 351 colleges offer applied mathematics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Applied Mathematics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common applied mathematics credential is the master’s degree: 6,325 of the 11,612 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to applied mathematics call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension and Written Expression.
This is a great major for students who are passionate about math and ready to create mathematical models to answer difficult questions. Your courses will include lectures along with labs and computer-based classes. In order to be successful, you will need to think logically and critically. In labs, cooperative learning will take place. Working with your peers, listening to their perspectives and then adding your own input will be critical. You will develop your skills through collaborating with others.
Although math is your primary focus, writing skills will also be helpful. You will need to write clearly as you complete lab report and develop proofs. Students will learn to make connections between their classes as they use mathematical formulas and abstract concepts to form real-world solutions.
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How long an applied mathematics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 4 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 26 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4,934 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 6,325 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 323 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to applied mathematics, at 54.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 54.9% |
| Master’s degree | 23.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 5.9% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.3% |
| Some college courses | 1.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.3% |
| First professional degree | 0.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
25 occupations are related to Applied Mathematics, with an average median salary of $96,998; the strongest outlook belongs to Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Data Analyst, Research Scientist, Research Analyst and Clinical Data Coordinator.
With strong mathematical skills, you will be prepared to work in a multitude of careers. Many graduates go into computer science and software development. Other career options are statistician, auditor, mathematician or actuary. You could also go into physics or engineering. Due to their practical knowledge, many graduates find work in the financial field as bankers, financial analysts or advisors. Some of these career options may require additional education.
The occupation related to applied mathematics with the most projected jobs is Financial Specialists, All Other, at 691,110.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Specialists, All Other | 691,110 | 6.5% |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 684,551 | -3.8% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Data Scientists | 507,848 | 8.1% |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 471,150 | -1.2% |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | 434,408 | -2.4% |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 358,631 | -0.2% |
Applied Mathematics graduates earn a median $69,764 one year after completing their program, $103,881 after four years and $100,060 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $69,764 |
| 4 years | $103,881 |
| 5 years | $100,060 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to applied mathematics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $127,364 |
| Financial Quantitative Analysts | $126,371 |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | $121,896 |
| Biostatisticians | $121,594 |
Applied Mathematics includes 6 concentrations that together award 11,612 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Financial Mathematics (5,730), Applied Mathematics, General (4,370) and Computational and Applied Mathematics (853). It has 4 similar majors in the Mathematics & Statistics field, which together award 38,365 degrees a year; the largest are Mathematics (26,979), Statistics (10,174) and Mathematics and Statistics, Other (638). Browse all Mathematics & Statistics majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Financial Mathematics | 5,730 |
| Applied Mathematics, General | 4,370 |
| Computational and Applied Mathematics | 853 |
| Computational Mathematics | 421 |
| Applied Mathematics, Other | 223 |
| Mathematical Biology | 15 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 26,979 |
| Statistics | 10,174 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | 638 |
| Applied Statistics | 574 |
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