Mathematicsat University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduates earn $67,744/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $884K; scenarios range from $710K to $936K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UW-Madison
Your decision to explore Mathematics at UW-Madison places you within a program renowned for its rigorous analytical training. This isn't just about abstract theory; the deep problem-solving and critical thinking skills you'll cultivate are highly sought after by employers across diverse sectors, from tech and finance to insurance and data analytics. The university's strong research focus and connections, particularly within the robust Midwest labor market and nearby Chicago financial hub, create excellent pipelines for graduates into roles like quantitative analysts, actuaries, and data scientists.
While the 'Very High' AI risk might seem concerning, it primarily reflects the automation potential for foundational, repetitive computations within the field. This actually underscores the increasing demand for mathematicians who can design, validate, and interpret the complex models behind AI. To truly thrive, focus on internships that apply your mathematical skills to real-world problems and cultivate strong programming and communication abilities, ensuring you're building the future, not just performing calculations.
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 UW-Madison'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 UW-Madison stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UW-Madison
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UW-Madison, 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 UW-Madison
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
This program scores 76/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mathematics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $709,564 in decade earnings vs $935,997 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's Mathematics program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 253 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.