Applied Mathematics at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,626/yr (-56% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #43 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 $852K $815K $675K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.4x 15.7x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.0x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,139
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,386
155% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $27,626 place Washington State University below the $62,640 national median for Applied Mathematics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Applied Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Applied Mathematics's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,139 represents roughly 7 months of the $27,626 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #43 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs, Washington State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $70,386 show a 155% jump from the $27,626 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Washington State University

Washington State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 21,583 students in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

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

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Applied Mathematics at Washington State University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Applied Mathematics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Applied Mathematics careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $674,804 in decade earnings vs $851,508 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Applied Mathematics from Washington State University?
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 →