Mathematics at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
67
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,422/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 16.8x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $732K $704K $598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.4x 16.8x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.4x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 67 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,650
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,294
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $51,422/yr, roughly in line with the $50,797 national median for Mathematics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 16.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $51,422 far exceeding the $21,650 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Iowa State University ranks #42 among 253 Mathematics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 46% earnings increase from $51,422 to $75,294 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics at Iowa State University?
At 67/100, Iowa State University's Mathematics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mathematics at Iowa State University?
The 65% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Mathematics?
Among 253 Mathematics programs, Iowa State University's #42 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →