Analysis
Purdue's combined mathematics and computer science degree points to strong earning potential, with peer programs nationally producing first-year salaries around $90,000. That figure puts graduates well above most bachelor's-level outcomes and reflects the tech industry's continued appetite for candidates with this dual skillset. The estimated debt load of roughly $24,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—meaning graduates would owe about three months' salary, a manageable starting point for loan repayment.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With too few graduates to generate school-specific data, you're evaluating Purdue's program based entirely on what similar programs produce elsewhere. Purdue's strong reputation in both engineering and computer science suggests its outcomes likely match or exceed these national figures, but that's an educated guess rather than documented fact. The program's selectivity (50% admission rate, 1342 average SAT) indicates serious academic rigor, which typically correlates with employer recognition and higher starting salaries.
For a field this hot, the financial setup looks reasonable—low debt relative to expected earnings, strong national benchmarks, and a school with name recognition in technical fields. Just understand you're betting on Purdue's brand and curriculum without the safety net of verified graduate outcomes for this specific program.
Where Purdue University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics and computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics and Computer Science bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,992 | $89,651* | — | $24,082* | — | |
| $66,255 | $166,573* | — | $23,000* | 0.14 | |
| $60,156 | $126,153* | — | —* | — | |
| $16,004 | $109,843* | — | $23,350* | 0.21 | |
| $59,241 | $91,851* | — | $21,500* | 0.23 | |
| $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
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Software Developers
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer 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 Purdue University-Main Campus, approximately 13% 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 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.