Compare 385 Mathematics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $68,041. Top programs: $297,029+.
Mathematics programs produce graduates earning between $17,846 and $297,029—a $279K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 385 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average of $68,041 sits far below what top programs deliver, making individual program evaluation essential.
Duke University's Mathematics program leads with graduates earning $297,029—more than four times the national average of $68,041. MIT and University of Chicago follow at $175K and $173K respectively, proving that multiple programs deliver elite outcomes. The variation across 385 programs confirms that prestige rankings and program earnings tell very different stories.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Duke Mathematics graduates borrow just $13,000 in student loans and face a 0.6% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' tier. When family borrowing is included, Duke still leads with a 2.3% combined burden—meaning loan payments take a minimal bite out of $297,029 in median earnings.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $297,029 | 53 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Excellent |
| #2 | $174,951 | 126 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Excellent | |
| #3 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $172,826 | 169 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Excellent |
| #4 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $168,580 | 45 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Excellent |
| #5 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $145,741 | 33 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Excellent |
| #6 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $141,171 | 151 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Excellent |
| #7 | Johns Hopkins UniversityPrivate | $134,785 | 135 | $10,250 | Excellent | $29,048 | Excellent |
| #8 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $134,455 | 93 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Excellent |
| #9 | Williams CollegePrivate | $134,304 | 53 | $12,761 | Excellent | $31,178 | Excellent |
| #10 | New York UniversityPrivate | $129,073 | 108 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | Manageable |
| #11 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $127,760 | 50 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Excellent |
| #12 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $125,084 | 88 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Good |
| #13 | Swarthmore CollegePrivate | $125,015 | 53 | — | — | — | — |
| #14 | Amherst CollegePrivate | $124,324 | 89 | $13,740 | Excellent | $47,598 | Good |
| #15 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $123,663 | 119 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Good |
| #16 | $122,099 | 56 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Good | |
| #17 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $117,344 | 50 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Good |
| #18 | $117,252 | 63 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #19 | $112,187 | 32 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $111,773 | 82 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Good | |
| #21 | Boston CollegePrivate | $111,072 | 85 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,000 | Good |
| #22 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | $110,512 | 38 | — | — | — | — |
| #23 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $109,851 | 41 | $25,874 | Excellent | $40,000 | Good |
| #24 | $109,146 | 212 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #25 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $107,072 | 62 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
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 →
