Analysis
UNC Chapel Hill's applied mathematics program outperforms the national benchmark by $14,000 in first-year earnings while requiring $6,000 less debt than typical graduates—a combination that places it in the 79th percentile nationally. The 39% earnings growth to $104,000 by year four suggests strong career trajectory, and with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years. Among North Carolina's five applied math programs, this sits right at the state median for earnings, meaning you're getting flagship university credentials at middle-of-the-pack cost for the region.
The real story here is the efficient payoff: most applied math programs nationally saddle students with $21,000+ in debt, but UNC's in-state advantage (or strong aid) keeps that figure 30% lower. For context, this program costs less than 86% of similar programs nationwide while delivering earnings that beat three-quarters of them. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these figures are reliable, not flukes.
This is straightforward value—strong earnings from day one, manageable debt, and solid growth potential. For a mathematically-inclined student who can gain admission to this selective program, the numbers point clearly toward excellent return on investment.
Where University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $75,105 | $104,439 | +39% |
| Harvard University | $114,279 | $166,324 | +46% |
| Brown University | $99,193 | $125,979 | +27% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $71,814 | $120,626 | +68% |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $59,638 | $86,227 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $75,105 | $104,439 | $15,300 | 0.20 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $114,279 | $166,324 | — | — |
 Brown UniversityProvidence | $68,230 | $99,193 | $125,979 | $10,000 | 0.10 |
 Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken | $60,952 | $97,700 | — | $25,841 | 0.26 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $94,684 | — | — | — |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $91,559 | — | — | — |
| 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill, approximately 20% 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 116 graduates with reported earnings and 63 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.