Location: USAF Academy, CO•Admission Rate: 14%•Avg SAT: 1362
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$60,930
Est. from national median (44 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,000
Est. from national median (31 programs)

Analysis

A critical detail about the Air Force Academy changes everything about this analysis: graduates don't pay tuition and incur zero student debt during their four years. The estimated $21,000 debt figure comes from national medians of similar military academies, but those attending on full scholarships—which is every cadet—graduate debt-free. The first-year earnings estimate of $60,930, derived from national Applied Mathematics programs, also misses a key reality: Academy graduates enter as commissioned officers with guaranteed salaries that exceed typical first-year earnings for the field, plus comprehensive benefits including housing allowances and healthcare.

For Applied Mathematics specifically, peer programs nationally produce median earnings around $61,000, with Colorado programs averaging closer to $50,000. The Academy's rigorous admission standards (14% acceptance rate, 1362 average SAT) suggest its graduates likely perform above these benchmarks. However, the five-year military service commitment following graduation is non-negotiable—this isn't simply a college choice but the beginning of a military career. Your child won't be job-hunting like other math majors; they'll be serving as Air Force officers.

If your child is genuinely committed to military service and qualifies for admission, this program offers unmatched value: elite education with zero debt and immediate career placement. If they're uncertain about that commitment or exploring civilian paths, this isn't the right fit regardless of the financial advantages.

Where United States Air Force Academy Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally

United States Air Force Academy (estimated ±10%)Other applied mathematics programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy—$60,930*—$21,000*—
Colorado School of MinesGolden$21,186$50,398*$76,575$21,500*0.43
National Median—$60,930*—$21,393*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates

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

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master'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

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

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

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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). 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 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.