Mathematics at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,176/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #134 of 253 Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $880K $835K $679K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 12.7x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.0x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,258
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,787
101% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $41,176/yr fall 19% below the $50,797 national median for Mathematics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,258 in median debt against $41,176 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #134 of 253 Mathematics programs, University of Colorado Boulder falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $82,787 show a 101% jump from the $41,176 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 31,578 students enrolled in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at University of Colorado Boulder?
This program scores 57/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mathematics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $678,939 in decade earnings vs $880,292 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Mathematics from University of Colorado Boulder?
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 →