Applied Mathematics at Brown University

Brown's Applied Mathematics program launches graduates into six-figure starting salaries—$99,193 in year one—that climb to $126,000 by year four. While that ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it places at the 60th percentile among Rhode Island programs, reflecting the fact that even the state's other applied math programs perform well (median of $82,074). What sets Brown apart isn't just beating local competitors like Bryant ($65,000), but doing so with remarkably low debt: the typical graduate carries just $10,000, a fraction of the $21,393 national median.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 is exceptional—graduates earn roughly ten times their debt in their first year alone. The 27% earnings growth trajectory suggests strong career momentum rather than a ceiling at graduation. Given Brown's 5% acceptance rate and elite academic profile, these outcomes meet the high bar families would expect, though they're not anomalous compared to other selective institutions.

The value proposition here is straightforward: if your child can get in, this program delivers elite earning power with minimal debt burden. The relatively small sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary, but the combination of strong starting salaries, robust growth, and negligible debt makes this a low-risk investment for families who can secure admission.