Mathematics and Computer Science at Harvey Mudd College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Harvey Mudd College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Harvey Mudd College graduates earn $167k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all mathematics and computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Mathematics and Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | $166,573 | — | $23,000 | 0.14 |
| Santa Clara University | $91,851 | — | $21,500 | 0.23 |
| University of California-San Diego | $89,651 | — | $18,887 | 0.21 |
| National Median | $89,651 | — | $23,175 | 0.26 |
Other Mathematics and Computer Science Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $91,851 | $21,500 |
| University of California-San Diego La Jolla | $15,265 | $89,651 | $18,887 |
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.