Applied Mathematics at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,940/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs Top 25%

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 $948K $902K $730K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 14.8x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 4.9x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,412
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $53,940/yr, roughly in line with the $62,640 national median for Applied Mathematics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $53,940 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Davis ranks #8 among 44 Applied Mathematics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $53,940-to-$95,412 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Mathematics at University of California-Davis?
At 69/100, University of California-Davis's Applied Mathematics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Applied Mathematics at University of California-Davis?
The 61% 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 University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Applied Mathematics?
Among 44 Applied Mathematics programs, University of California-Davis's #8 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 →