Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree) at Harvey Mudd College

Analysis

Harvey Mudd graduates with this degree earn nearly double the national median for math/computer science programs—$166,573 versus $89,651—placing them at the 95th percentile both nationally and within California's competitive tech market. Even compared to strong programs at Santa Clara and UC San Diego (both around $90K), Harvey Mudd delivers earnings that are 80% higher. The $23,000 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.14, meaning graduates earn back their entire debt load in less than two months of work.

The 13% admission rate and 1537 average SAT suggest this value comes with extremely high entry barriers, but for students who can get in, the return is exceptional. The low Pell grant percentage (14%) indicates this is primarily serving affluent families, yet the debt burden remains manageable even for those who do borrow. At these earning levels, even students taking on somewhat more than the median debt would still have a comfortable repayment path.

For families weighing the premium private school cost against UC alternatives, Harvey Mudd's joint math/CS program delivers substantially higher earning power. If your child can gain admission and handle the academic rigor, this represents one of the strongest financial outcomes available in this field.

Where Harvey Mudd College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics and computer science bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Harvey Mudd College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Mathematics and Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont	$66,255	$166,573	—	$23,000	0.14
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara	$59,241	$91,851	—	$21,500	0.23
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla	$15,265	$89,651	—	$18,887	0.21
National Median	—	$89,651	—	$23,175	0.26

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mathematics and computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

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 Harvey Mudd College, approximately 14% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.