Best Schools for Systems Science and Theory

Systems Science and Theory graduates earn a median of $79,831 within four years of graduating, ranking #89 out of 283 tracked majors — 28% above the median across all fields. There are 6 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 244 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $146,929 while Marshall University graduates earn $48,250 — a $98,679 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 modest: Systems Science and Theory graduates see an average -7% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$79,831

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#89

of 283 Majors

244

Graduates

Public vs Private: Systems Science and Theory

Public (4 schools)

$66,904

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (2 schools)

$105,687

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $38,783 more in early earnings on average for Systems Science and Theory graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Systems Science and Theory by State

Top Systems Science and Theory Schools by Graduate Earnings

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA · Public

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$64,444

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $33,993 (13)

1yr: $42,214 (25)

Acceptance: 86.2%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public

$48,250

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

2yr: $21,508 (11)

Acceptance: 96.5%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Biological/Biosystems Engineering $47,836 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $47,814 Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician $47,798 Landscape Architecture $47,605 Accounting and Related Services $46,933 Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other $46,084

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Systems Science and Theory?

Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 for Systems Science and Theory with median graduate earnings of $146,929 within four years of graduating. There are 6 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Systems Science and Theory graduates earn?

Systems Science and Theory graduates earn an average of $79,831 within four years of graduating. This is 28% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $48,250 to $146,929 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Systems Science and Theory program?

The average acceptance rate across Systems Science and Theory programs is 67.9%. The most selective program is at Carnegie Mellon University with a 11.4% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Systems Science and Theory?

Private Systems Science and Theory programs average $105,687 in early earnings vs $66,904 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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