Mathematics and Computer Science: is it worth it?
A 0–100 score blending this major’s national earnings, ROI and typical debt. How it’s scored.
National picture across 2 college programs, at a typical net price.
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
What Mathematics and Computer Science pays
Career outlook for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates
The job market for the occupations Mathematics and Computer Science graduates typically enter, projected through 2034 — from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This is the demand side, complementing the IRS-verified graduate earnings above.
Top jobs for this major
| Occupation | U.S. jobs | Growth to 2034 | Median pay | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software developers | 1,693,800 | +15.8% | $133,080 | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer and information systems managers | 667,100 | +15.2% | $171,200 | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer occupations, all other | 472,000 | +8.2% | $108,970 | Bachelor's degree |
| Data scientists | 245,900 | +33.5% | $112,590 | Bachelor's degree |
| Natural sciences managers | 104,300 | +3.7% | $161,180 | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary | 58,900 | +2.3% | $79,350 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2024–34) & the NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk. Occupation pay is the national median wage for the role — not the same as graduate earnings, which we draw from IRS records.
Mathematics and Computer Science vs similar majors
How Mathematics and Computer Science stacks up against the closest fields in Interdisciplinary Studies on pay, debt, ROI and the DR Rating. The best figure in each row is highlighted.
| Mathematics and Computer Science Interdisciplinary Studies · this major | Human Computer Interaction | Systems Science and Theory | Science, Technology and Society | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR Rating | 92 A | 84 A | 90 A | 85 A |
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Strong return | Strong return | Strong return |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $93,003 | $122,421 | $110,759 | $81,097 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $56,140 | $76,324 | $69,716 | $48,550 |
| ROI vs cost | +502% | +806% | +710% | +353% |
| Typical debt | $21,409 | $36,897 | $25,199 | $21,225 |
| Colleges offering it | 2 | 7 | 4 | 10 |
Mathematics and Computer Science earnings over time
National median earnings one year after graduating, by cohort year — the consistent measure available across the federal data’s history.
Best colleges for Mathematics and Computer Science
Ranked by the ROI of this major at each college — its graduate earnings against the cost.
| # | College | Credential | Earnings (5 yr) | Median debt | 10-yr ROI | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL | Associate's | $91,459 | $18,150 | +1,527% | Strong return |
| 2 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH | Associate's | $94,546 | $24,668 | +1,243% | Strong return |
Related majors
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.