Compare 9 Mathematics and Computer Science. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $110,056. Top programs: $155,503+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Mathematics and Computer Science tells a different story. Across 9 programs, earnings range from $53,179 to $155,503—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. A $102K spread between the best and lowest outcomes means the program you choose matters far more than the name on the diploma.
The data puts University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign first, with Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earning $155,503—well above the $110,056 average across all ranked programs. Santa Clara University follows at $147,013, while UC San Diego delivers $137,218 at a net price of just $7,525. Three programs, three very different institutions, all outperforming the field on earnings.
UC San Diego is the standout on debt burden: graduates borrow $15,500 and face just a 1.9% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' category—meaning loan payments barely register against post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, UC San Diego again leads with a 5.2% family burden, also rated 'Excellent.' Strong earnings and low debt rarely align this cleanly.
Highest program earnings: $155,503
Strong outcomes ($86,109) with 80% acceptance
1.9% payment burden | Excellent
5.2% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $155,503 | 81 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $147,013 | 107 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | Good |
| #3 | $137,218 | 269 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $126,153 | 26 | — | — | — | — | |
| #5 | Harvey Mudd CollegePrivate | $122,038 | 55 | — | — | — | — |
| #6 | Temple UniversityPublic | $86,109 | 8 | — | — | — | — |
| #7 | $85,968 | 34 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Good | |
| #8 | $77,321 | 62 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Good | |
| #9 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $53,179 | 44 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
