Mathematics at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $64,604/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #193 of 253 Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $664K $644K $560K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,541
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Boston University's Mathematics program earn $64,604/yr in their first year — 27% above the $50,797 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 65% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $19,250 in median debt against $64,604 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #193 out of 253 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Mathematics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $64,604 to $71,541 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Boston University

Boston University admits 11% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boston University's Mathematics program score?
A score of 50/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Mathematics programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Mathematics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mathematics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 65% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Mathematics at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →