Compare 5 Applied Mathematics. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $72,442.
The highest-earning Applied Mathematics program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $48K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Northwestern University's Applied Mathematics program leads with graduates earning $94,684, well above the $72,442 average. But University of Wisconsin-Stout follows closely at $84,567 with 85% acceptance versus Northwestern's 7%—demonstrating that accessible programs can deliver strong outcomes.
For families, the math changes significantly. Northwestern offers a 2.9% student burden, but when parent loans are included, University of Wisconsin-Stout leads with a 7.9% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $94,684 | 36 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Good |
| #2 | $84,567 | 37 | $23,000 | Excellent | $11,000 | Excellent | |
| #3 | $82,523 | 48 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #4 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $54,347 | 8 | $21,000 | Good | $14,849 | Manageable |
| #5 | $46,087 | 17 | $23,250 | Manageable | $30,462 | 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 →
