Applied Mathematics at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,856/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #40 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $492K $492K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.8x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,793
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

San Diego State University's Applied Mathematics graduates start at $42,856/yr, trailing the $62,640 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Applied Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Applied Mathematics's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,793 represents roughly 7 months of the $42,856 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #40 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs, San Diego State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About San Diego State University

Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,654 students in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Applied Mathematics at San Diego State University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Applied Mathematics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Applied Mathematics careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $466,256 in decade earnings vs $491,679 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Applied Mathematics from San Diego State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →