Mathematics at New York University

NYU's mathematics program launches graduates into strong early earnings, but before celebrating, note that we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates—enough to sketch a pattern but not enough to guarantee your child's experience will match. That said, the trajectory is impressive: starting at $58,481 and jumping 54% to over $90,000 by year four suggests graduates are landing quantitative roles at financial firms, tech companies, or consulting shops where math skills command real premiums in New York's competitive job market.

Within New York, this program sits in the 80th percentile—trailing only Cornell and RPI among major universities, but ahead of 66 other mathematics programs in the state. The $19,500 debt load is actually below both state and national medians for math degrees, giving graduates breathing room that matters in an expensive city. Compare that to the typical New York math grad earning $45,880 with slightly more debt, and you see the advantage of NYU's placement network and employer connections.

The small sample size means one unusually successful (or struggling) graduate could swing these numbers significantly. But if your child thrives in competitive academic environments and wants to stay in New York where finance and tech firms actively recruit NYU math majors, this combination of manageable debt and strong earning potential makes sense—especially given how quickly earnings accelerate past that initial post-graduation figure.