Compare 9 Applied Mathematics. programs in California. Average earnings: $76,688.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Applied Mathematics tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $21,508 to $120,626—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
UC Berkeley's Applied Mathematics program leads with graduates earning $120,626, while Stanford follows at $97,071. The statewide average sits at $76,688, but the $99K gap between top and bottom programs shows why evaluating each program individually beats relying on university prestige alone.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Berkeley graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 1.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.11, students can clear their loans with barely two months of salary.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $120,626 | 326 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $97,071 | 39 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Good |
| #3 | $86,227 | 107 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Good | |
| #4 | $81,414 | 345 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Good | |
| #5 | $76,162 | 67 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #6 | $72,484 | 114 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $69,079 | 141 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $65,623 | 31 | $16,144 | Excellent | $18,376 | Good | |
| #9 | $21,508 | 31 | $15,000 | High | $25,565 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
