Applied Mathematics at University of Rochester

An applied math bachelor's from Rochester looks financially serviceable based on what peer programs in New York typically produce, though data for this specific program isn't available. The estimated first-year earnings of $55,288 sit right at the state median for applied math programs, while the debt burden of roughly $25,400 creates a manageable 0.46 ratio—meaning you'd owe about 46 cents for every dollar earned in year one. That's reasonable territory for a quantitative degree from a selective university.

What's harder to pin down is Rochester's competitive position. The school draws strong students (1480 SAT average, 36% admission rate) and commands a premium price point, yet comparable New York programs span an enormous range—from Columbia grads earning over $90K to SUNY schools in the mid-$40Ks. Without Rochester's actual outcomes, you're essentially betting that its academic reputation translates to earnings closer to RIT ($75K) than to the SUNY schools. The national median of $61K suggests applied math degrees generally do better than the New York state average, which could work in Rochester's favor if its graduates compete nationally rather than staying regional.

The key risk is that you're paying private tuition (even with aid bringing debt to $25K) for outcomes that might not materially exceed what you'd get at a top SUNY program. If this were my child, I'd want to see actual placement data from Rochester's math department before committing—where recent grads landed, what they're earning, whether tech companies recruit on campus.