Applied Mathematicsat University of California-Davis
Graduates earn $53,940/yr in their first year — about 14.0% below the national Applied Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $902K; scenarios range from $730K to $948K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Davis
UC Davis's Applied Mathematics program consistently ranks highly, a testament to its rigorous curriculum and strong faculty expertise, particularly in areas like computational science, modeling, and statistical applications. This strength means you'll develop a deep analytical toolkit. However, the slightly lower earnings compared to the national average for applied math graduates might reflect the regional labor market, which leans less heavily towards the highest-paying finance or tech quant roles found in major urban hubs. Many graduates find excellent roles in scientific research, environmental modeling, or government agencies within California.
The "Very High" AI risk for this field isn't a red flag, but a prompt: it means your work will increasingly involve collaborating with AI, requiring a focus on higher-level problem-solving, interpreting complex models, and developing novel algorithms AI can't yet conceive. Emphasize internships that apply your skills to real-world scientific or data challenges to refine your niche and demonstrate value beyond automation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Davis's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Applied Mathematics
How UC Davis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Davis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Davis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Applied Mathematics at UC Davis
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.