Mathematics at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,744/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 19.7x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

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.

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 $936K $884K $710K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.9x 19.7x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.4x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,080
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,406
48% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

Compare Mathematics

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →