Analysis
With an estimated first-year salary around $61,000 and debt near $25,000, Emory's applied mathematics program appears positioned competitively—though these figures come from national peer programs rather than Emory's own graduates. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well within manageable territory, suggesting graduates could realistically handle loan payments even if starting salaries run slightly lower than estimated. What adds confidence here is the four-year earnings figure of $68,584, which shows actual reported growth and suggests the degree opens doors to steadily improving opportunities.
The real question is whether Emory's elite positioning—11% admission rate, 1507 average SAT—translates into better outcomes than these peer-based estimates suggest. Selective private universities often produce higher earnings than their less selective counterparts, so there's reasonable hope that actual Emory graduates outperform these baseline projections. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (18%) indicates a student body with financial resources, which can matter for unpaid internships and career networking that boost starting salaries.
For an anxious parent, here's the practical view: the estimated numbers suggest a solid foundation, not a home run. If your child can access Emory's network and land in quantitative fields like data science or finance where applied math degrees thrive, outcomes could significantly exceed these peer-based projections. The debt load isn't alarming, giving graduates room to navigate their early career without financial panic.
Where Emory University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory University | — | $68,584 | — |
| Harvard University | $114,279 | $166,324 | +46% |
| Brown University | $99,193 | $125,979 | +27% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $71,814 | $120,626 | +68% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $75,105 | $104,439 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,774 | $60,930* | $68,584 | $25,421* | — | |
| $5,786 | $50,007* | — | $28,000* | 0.56 | |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Emory University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.