Analysis
UC Berkeley's Applied Mathematics degree ranks in the 80th percentile among California programs, with first-year earnings of $71,814 that surge to $120,626 by year four—a 68% jump that far outpaces typical STEM growth trajectories. With just $14,598 in median debt (less than half the national average for this degree), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20, meaning they owe roughly two months' salary. This combination of manageable debt and strong earning potential puts Berkeley neck-and-neck with USC at the top of California's applied math programs, while beating out UCLA by $10,000+ in starting salary.
The mathematics here are particularly favorable because Berkeley delivers elite outcomes without the debt burden typical of private competitors. While 27% of students receive Pell grants at this highly selective institution (12% admission rate), the low debt levels suggest strong financial aid for those who get in. The substantial earnings growth from year one to year four indicates graduates are landing in high-trajectory careers—likely in tech, finance, or data science roles where mathematical training commands premium compensation.
For families who can navigate Berkeley's competitive admissions, this represents one of California's clearest value propositions in quantitative fields: pay public-school debt levels, earn private-school salaries, and position yourself for six-figure earnings within four years of graduation.
Where University of California-Berkeley Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Berkeley graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | $71,814 | $120,626 | +68% |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $59,638 | $86,227 | +45% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $61,188 | $81,414 | +33% |
| University of California-Davis | $53,940 | $76,162 | +41% |
| University of Southern California | $71,622 | $72,484 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $71,814 | $120,626 | $14,598 | 0.20 |
 University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles | $68,237 | $71,622 | $72,484 | $12,251 | 0.17 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $61,188 | $81,414 | $14,400 | 0.24 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $59,638 | $86,227 | $17,000 | 0.29 |
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $53,940 | $76,162 | $14,750 | 0.27 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $42,859 | $69,079 | $15,516 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $60,930 | — | $21,393 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 University of California-Berkeley, approximately 27% 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 167 graduates with reported earnings and 138 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.