Home Schools Western Washington University Mathematics
Mathematics · Mathematics Rank #211 of 253

Mathematicsat Western Washington University

Graduates earn $22,953/yr in their first year — about 55.0% below the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,007K; scenarios range from $787K to $1,076K depending on AI disruption.

Bellingham, WA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
47 AVERAGE
48
Optimistic
48
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,953
1-year post-graduation
ROI
19.9x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$1,007K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
63% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Western Washington University

While the core analytical skills gained in mathematics are incredibly valuable, the earning data for Western Washington's program suggests a distinct career trajectory for its graduates. Unlike some math programs that primarily funnel students into high-paying tech or finance roles, WWU’s strong liberal arts tradition and Bellingham location often lead graduates to different paths. You'll find many alums excelling in secondary education, local government, or research support roles within the Pacific Northwest, where salaries reflect regional economies rather than national averages for data scientists or quants.

This doesn't diminish the quality of the education, but highlights a different typical outcome. If your goal is to pursue the highest-paying math-related careers, you’ll need to actively seek out internships with major tech companies in Seattle or beyond, network aggressively, and potentially pursue a master's degree. Consider how your career aspirations align with the typical post-graduation landscape for WWU math majors.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$787K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score48/100
Earnings Multiple21.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,007K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score47/100
Earnings Multiple27.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,076K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score48/100
Earnings Multiple29.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Western Washington University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Mathematics graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Mathematicians
-0.7% 10-yr growth · 100 openings/yr
$121,680/yr
Very High
3
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
4
Statisticians
+8.5% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$103,300/yr
High
5
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 4,400 openings/yr
$79,350/yr
High
6
Mathematical science occupations, all other
+4.0% 10-yr growth · 300 openings/yr
$71,490/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Mathematics

How Western Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Duke University
NC · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$121K
1-yr earn
4.0x
ROI
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$111K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
72
DW Score
$109K
1-yr earn
8.4x
ROI
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$108K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Vanderbilt University
TN · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$104K
1-yr earn
4.5x
ROI
Also at Western Washington University

Other top programs at Western Washington University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Washington University, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Mathematics at Western Washington University

How does Western Washington University's Mathematics program score?

This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Mathematics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Mathematics to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Mathematics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 65% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Mathematics earnings lower at Western Washington University?

Lower starting pay at Western Washington University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.