Analysis
Harvey Mudd's elite reputation (13% admission rate, 1537 average SAT) doesn't translate into exceptional early math earnings based on what we can observe from comparable California programs. The estimated $38,449 first-year figure—derived from the median of 23 similar math bachelor's programs in the state—falls $10,000 short of the national median for math graduates and trails well behind top California programs like Cal Poly ($53,136) and nearby Pomona ($50,712). This matters because Harvey Mudd's tuition runs significantly higher than public alternatives, though the estimated $21,750 in debt suggests robust financial aid that keeps borrowing near the national median.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 appears manageable on paper, but that calculation depends on both estimated figures being representative of Harvey Mudd's actual outcomes. Given the school's highly selective student body and STEM focus, actual earnings may well exceed the state median—but without reported data, you're making that investment on faith. The $10,000+ gap between estimated earnings and what graduates from Cal Poly or the top UCs actually earn in their first year is substantial enough to matter over time.
If your child has multiple acceptances, compare actual financial aid packages carefully. Harvey Mudd's value proposition for math depends heavily on outcomes the school hasn't disclosed, while several California alternatives offer both strong programs and transparent data showing first-year earnings in the $46,000-$53,000 range.
Where Harvey Mudd College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (67 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont | $66,255 | $38,449* | — | $21,750* | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $53,136* | $65,655 | $16,718* | 0.31 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $52,339* | $56,452 | $16,250* | 0.31 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $50,712* | — | —* | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $46,674* | — | $20,500* | 0.44 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $46,447* | $64,574 | $17,000* | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.
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 median of 23 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.