Mathematics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
66
Optimistic
64
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,196/yr (58% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #64 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 $955K $901K $720K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.6x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 64 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$247,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,556
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$106,266
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $80,196 per year, Mathematics graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute significantly outpace the $50,797 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $23,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranks #64 among 253 Mathematics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 33% earnings increase from $80,196 to $106,266 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 5,909 students in Troy, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $132,556 over four years — 46% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute →

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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
At 64/100, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute'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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute one of the best schools for Mathematics?
Among 253 Mathematics programs, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's #64 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 →