Most Selective Highest Earnings Best Value Free Tuition UK Universities

Best Schools for Operations Research

Operations Research graduates earn a median of $73,589 within two years of graduation, ranking #4 out of 292 tracked majors — 107% above the median across all fields. There are 5 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 166 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Cornell University graduates earn $85,538 while California State University-Northridge graduates earn $44,835 — a $40,703 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

5
Schools
$73,589
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#4
of 292 Majors
166
Graduates

Public vs Private: Operations Research

Public (2 schools)
$60,648
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (3 schools)
$82,217
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $21,569 more in early earnings on average for Operations Research graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Top Operations Research Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
C

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

$85,538
2yr Earnings
1yr: $78,243
Grads: 83
Acceptance: 8.2%
#2
C

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

$84,653
2yr Earnings
1yr: $87,327
Grads: 33
Acceptance: 4.2%
#3
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$76,460
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 11.7%
#4
S

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

$76,460
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 61.2%
#5
C

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public

$44,835
2yr Earnings
1yr: $45,988
Grads: 50
Acceptance: 93.2%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Mathematics and Computer Science $84,401 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering $81,473 Petroleum Engineering $75,155 Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering $72,650 Mining and Mineral Engineering $72,531 Construction Engineering $71,301

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Operations Research?
Cornell University ranks #1 for Operations Research with median graduate earnings of $85,538 within two years. There are 5 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Operations Research graduates earn?
Operations Research graduates earn an average of $73,589 within two years of graduation. This is 107% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $44,835 to $85,538 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Operations Research program?
The average acceptance rate across Operations Research programs is 35.7%. The most selective program is at Columbia University in the City of New York with a 4.2% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Operations Research?
Private Operations Research programs average $82,217 in early earnings vs $60,648 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

Get Operations Research Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.