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Applied Mathematics at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,859/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #27 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 $828K $794K $661K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.0x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.3x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,249
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,708
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-San Diego's Applied Mathematics graduates start at $42,859/yr, trailing the $62,640 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,249 in median debt clears quickly against $42,859 in annual earnings.

A #27 ranking among 44 Applied Mathematics programs places University of California-San Diego in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $42,859-to-$79,708 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 44 schools offering Applied Mathematics →

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($114,279) Brown University ($99,193) Stevens Institute of Technology ($97,700) Northwestern University ($94,684) Columbia University in the City of New York ($91,559) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($82,523) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($82,275) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($82,152)

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Computer Science ($112,006) Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Mathematics at University of California-San Diego?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Applied Mathematics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Applied Mathematics at University of California-San Diego?
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-San Diego a good choice for Applied Mathematics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-San Diego's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →