by our College Data Analytics Team
[Applied Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/applied-mathematics/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The highest-paying schools turn a applied mathematics degree into the strongest early-career earnings.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying applied mathematics schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send applied mathematics graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Northwestern University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid applied mathematics graduates in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the applied mathematics program here go on to a median salary of roughly $94,684.
Depaul University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in applied mathematics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Applied Mathematics graduates of Depaul University earn a median of about $110,155 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Wisconsin Stout one of the highest-paying schools for applied mathematics. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school located in the town of Menomonie. Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Stout earn a median of about $93,222 a year early in their careers.
Ferris State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying applied mathematics schools. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a public institution. Early-career applied mathematics graduates from Ferris State University make a median of around $67,720 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for applied mathematics. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school located in the city of Columbus. After graduating, applied mathematics degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus typically earn about $77,267 annually.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying applied mathematics schools. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. After graduating, applied mathematics degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus typically earn about $69,396 annually.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their applied mathematics graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.