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Mathematics at Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
44
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,286/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #230 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 $554K $547K $500K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 44 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,560
78% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $50,286/yr, Mathematics graduates from Rice University land near the $50,797 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #230 of 253 Mathematics programs, Rice University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Rice University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Rice University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 4,562 students in Houston, TX. The average net cost of $50,560 over four years represents a 78% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rice 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

Compare this program → View all 253 schools offering Mathematics →

Mathematics at Other Schools

Duke University ($121,088) Tufts University ($110,512) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($109,288) Dartmouth College ($108,255) Vanderbilt University ($103,812) University of Chicago ($100,421) Bowdoin College ($90,213) Georgetown University ($88,081)

Other Majors at Rice University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($131,154) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,751) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($88,307) Chemical Engineering ($87,830) Mechanical Engineering ($82,899) Economics ($78,814) Political Science and Government ($54,728) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($51,110)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Rice University?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Mathematics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $499,629 in decade earnings vs $554,133 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Rice University a hidden gem for Mathematics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $50,560 over four years — 78% below the $232,512 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →