Mathematicsat University of California-Los Angeles
Graduates earn $38,449/yr in their first year — about 24.0% below the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $966K; scenarios range from $761K to $1,029K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UCLA
Your UCLA Mathematics degree is a powerful foundation, highly respected globally for its rigorous, theoretical approach. While many graduates leverage this into competitive roles in tech, finance, and data science with companies like Google, Boeing, or local startups, a significant number also pursue graduate studies in fields like applied math, statistics, or economics. This academic path, common for such a strong program, can naturally delay entry into the highest-earning roles immediately after your bachelor's.
The "very high" AI risk reflects the changing landscape where routine computational tasks are increasingly automated. However, a deep mathematical understanding becomes even more critical for designing, validating, and innovating within AI systems, rather than simply operating them. To maximize your post-graduation prospects, actively seek internships that apply your skills, consider a minor in computer science or economics, and explore specialized coursework in areas like quantitative finance or machine learning algorithms.
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 UCLA'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 Mathematics
How UCLA stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UCLA
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UCLA, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Mathematics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Mathematics at UCLA
What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics at University of California-Los Angeles?
At 58/100, University of California-Los Angeles'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 University of California-Los Angeles?
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 University of California-Los Angeles a good choice for Mathematics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Los Angeles's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.