Duke University math graduates earn a median of $297,029 four years after college, the highest among all majors tracked by the federal College Scorecard. The data, based on a small cohort of 17 students from 2017–2018 who received financial aid, highlights the financial payoff of STEM fields. Carnegie Mellon University follows, with computer science graduates earning $268,121 and electrical engineering specialists at $250,168.
Both programs have over 100 graduates in the dataset. Carnegie Mellon appears three times in the top 30, bolstered by a $3 billion donation that will fund a new Miami campus. Duke math majors credit faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary study for their success.
Many double-majored in economics or other fields. Professors emphasize mathematical thinking over immediate career goals, though they acknowledge the field’s strong job market. The data reflects broader trends in higher education accountability and earnings transparency.
Source: New York Times Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing