by our College Data Analytics Team
[Systems Science Theory](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/systems-science-theory/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying systems science theory schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose systems science theory graduates go on to earn the most.
Carnegie Mellon University tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying systems science theory schools in the United States. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the systems science theory program here go on to a median salary of roughly $133,740.
James Madison University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying systems science theory schools. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a public institution. After graduating, systems science theory degree recipients from James Madison University typically earn about $101,452 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in systems science theory will find them at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. After graduating, systems science theory degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign typically earn about $59,488 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in systems science theory will find them at La Salle University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Philadelphia, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Systems Science Theory graduates of La Salle University earn a median of about $36,442 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in systems science theory will find them at Rhode Island School Of Design, which ranked #5. Rhode Island School Of Design is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. Systems Science Theory graduates of Rhode Island School Of Design earn a median of about $34,265 a year early in their careers.
Marshall University earned the #6 position for systems science theory graduate earnings this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a public institution. After graduating, systems science theory degree recipients from Marshall University typically earn about $29,539 annually.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare highest-paid Systems Science Theory rankings across degree levels:
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries systems science theory graduates go on to earn early in their careers, 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.