Analysis
Yale's selectivity creates expectations that don't align with what comparable Applied Mathematics programs actually deliver. Based on similar programs in Connecticut, first-year earnings around $62,000 are standard for this field—roughly matching the national median regardless of institutional prestige. The estimated debt of $25,000 keeps the financial burden manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggesting graduates could reasonably handle repayment within a few years.
What matters here is understanding that Applied Mathematics produces consistent outcomes across institutions. The five Connecticut programs with reported data all cluster at the same $62,000 figure, including multiple UConn campuses. This suggests the degree itself—not the nameplate—drives early career earnings in this field. Yale's 5% admission rate and 1534 average SAT reflect its academic rigor, but those advantages don't immediately translate into higher starting salaries for Applied Math majors.
For families paying Yale's premium, the calculation isn't purely financial. The estimated debt is reasonable, and earnings should grow over time as graduates move into more senior technical or analytical roles. But if the primary concern is return on educational investment in the first year after graduation, understand that peer programs produce similar outcomes at potentially lower cost.
Where Yale University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,700 | $61,741* | — | $25,421* | — | |
| $20,366 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 | |
| $17,462 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 | |
| $17,462 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 | |
| $17,472 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 | |
| $17,452 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 | |
| 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 Yale University, approximately 19% 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 median of 5 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.