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Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $94,684/yr (51% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $928K $884K $719K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,988
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,572
59% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates of Northwestern University's Applied Mathematics program earn $94,684/yr in their first year — 51% above the $62,640 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #32 out of 44 programs, Northwestern University's financial outcomes for Applied Mathematics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 8,960 in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 44 schools offering Applied Mathematics →

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($114,279) Brown University ($99,193) Stevens Institute of Technology ($97,700) Columbia University in the City of New York ($91,559) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($82,523) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($82,275) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($82,152) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($75,105)

Other Majors at Northwestern University

Information Science/Studies ($102,998) Computer Science ($99,981) Industrial Engineering ($89,811) Economics ($84,932) Human Resources Management and Services ($82,255) Chemical Engineering ($80,709) Mathematics ($79,530) Statistics ($77,917)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northwestern University's Applied Mathematics program score?
A score of 54/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northwestern University trails the majority of Applied Mathematics programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Applied Mathematics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Applied Mathematics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $263,988, but the average net cost is $108,572 — 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 →