Best Schools for Mathematics and Computer Science

Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn a median of $120,604 within four years of graduating, ranking #1 out of 283 tracked majors — 93% above the median across all fields. There are 6 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 337 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $155,503 while University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn $77,321 — a $78,182 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is moderate: Mathematics and Computer Science graduates see an average 14% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$120,604

Avg. 2yr Earnings

of 283 Majors

337

Graduates

Public vs Private: Mathematics and Computer Science

Public (4 schools)

$114,003

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (2 schools)

$147,013

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $33,010 more in early earnings on average for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Mathematics and Computer Science by State

Top Mathematics and Computer Science Schools by Graduate Earnings

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH · Public

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA · Private

$122,038

2yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

1yr: $118,973 (16)

Grads: 16

Acceptance: 13.1%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering $81,473 Petroleum Engineering $74,887 Operations Research $73,589 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering $72,650 Mining and Mineral Engineering $72,531

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Mathematics and Computer Science?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #1 for Mathematics and Computer Science with median graduate earnings of $155,503 within four years of graduating. There are 6 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn?

Mathematics and Computer Science graduates earn an average of $120,604 within four years of graduating. This is 93% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $77,321 to $155,503 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Mathematics and Computer Science program?

The average acceptance rate across Mathematics and Computer Science programs is 45.8%. The most selective program is at Harvey Mudd College with a 13.1% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Mathematics and Computer Science?

Private Mathematics and Computer Science programs average $147,013 in early earnings vs $114,003 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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