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Mathematics at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,729/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)

ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #175 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	$528K	$524K	$485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.5x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.2x	6.2x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	65%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	52	50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,692

5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,184

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,729 place University of Northern Iowa below the $50,797 national median for Mathematics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.5x 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $42,729 far exceeding the $17,692 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #175 of 253 Mathematics programs, University of Northern Iowa falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $42,729 to $52,184 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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 University of Northern Iowa

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at University of Northern Iowa?

This program scores 52/100 — 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 $485,158 in decade earnings vs $527,811 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Mathematics from University of Northern Iowa?

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 →