Mathematics at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,598/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 22.9x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #144 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 $670K $649K $563K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.6x 22.9x 19.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,465
67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $38,598/yr fall 24% below the $50,797 national median for Mathematics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

At $11,000 in median debt against $38,598 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #144 of 253 Mathematics programs, California State University-Northridge falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $64,465 show a 67% jump from the $38,598 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 32,357 in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 California State University-Northridge

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at California State University-Northridge?
This program scores 56/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mathematics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $563,491 in decade earnings vs $670,295 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Mathematics from California State University-Northridge?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →