### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Systems Science and Theory is not only a valuable choice, but typically an obligatory first step for undergrads trying to begin a career as a chemical systems implementer, a biological systems researcher, or a physical systems engineer. Interestingly, systems science and theory is a very rare degree coming in at the 291st most popular area of study. Last academic year, there were 441 systems science and theory degrees conferred. In-state tuition for systems science and theory at private schools is, on average, 4.3 times more pricey than their public equivalents.

 With only 19 universities having programs for this degree you might have limited options as to the institutions which will have a degree program for you. If you are hoping to surround yourself with other systems science and theory majors, consider looking at colleges in Pennsylvania which have more students admitted to systems science and theory than any other state. More generally, the top region to get a degree in systems science and theory is in the Mid East region with [California University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/california-university-of-pennsylvania), [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university), and [La Salle University](/colleges/la-salle-university) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the top conference to major in systems science and theory is the University Athletic Association with [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university) representing the conference. On that topic, our selection for the best college for systems science and theory is [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university), and here you can find our comprehensive list for the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The objectively 'best' school might not actually be the 'best' school for every student. There might be tons more facets to weigh when selecting ​university. External stuff like campus amenities, transportation services, and food could alter your decision on where to go to university. At authority.org, we examined the pros and cons for you. If, as an example, you are intrigued by which systems science and theory college has the top campus, the answer is [University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign](/colleges/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign). If, for example, you are mostly interested in which university is home to the best campus, we have a whole page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, government databases, student reviews, and more so we can compare every major in the United States in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can explore our comprehensive list for the colleges with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our selection for the school with the best student life for systems science and theory is [Rhode Island School of Design](/colleges/rhode-island-school-of-design). Curious why? Continue scrolling to find out more about our top selections. Some of our picks just might surprise you.

 If cost is a major deciding factor in your decisions, you might consider avoiding [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college). [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college)&nbspappears to be the most expensive school for systems science and theory, at least regarding out of state attendance. We do have an entire list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that might put the cost of [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college)&nbspinto perspective. For more context, you might care to know that systems science and theory is the 247th most expensive program in the United States, with an average associated cost of $27,300. On a broader scale, the most expensive state for systems science and theory in the nation is California with expenses at the primary school, Claremont McKenna College, of $56,190. To zoom out even further, the most expensive region for systems science and theory is unfortunately unavailable due to missing data.

 Our cheapest region for systems science and theory is the Rocky Mountains region which is represented by [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) with a cost of $13,392. More optimistically, the most affordable college for systems science and theory is [California University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/california-university-of-pennsylvania). Authority's full list of the most affordable universities can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay about $10,500 for a degree in systems science and theory. The price inflates substantially to a median of $22,900 for the out-of-state public-school student. Our selection for the school constituting the best value for systems science and theory: [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university). Through this link you can see our comprehensive list for the schools we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. That being said, this idea is based on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when it comes to in-state tuition, as such, we are using out-of-state tuition as the baseline.

 Earnings for systems science and theory majors can differ, but two years after graduation students will typically make around $86,800. While there can be much variation in earnings potential; highest paid earners can enjoy pay up to $156,600. Straight out of college, the lowest end positions within the systems science and theory field earn $48,000, which could be worse. The highest earning grads from systems science and theory studied at [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university)&nbspand if you are looking for schools with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The prevailing diversity of systems science and theory is pretty high, being within the 78th percentile of majors nationally. The school with the highest composite diversity for systems science and theory is [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the colleges with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of Systems Science and Theory stands only in the 52nd percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, in the 68th percentile. White students make up the largest share at 55% of those majoring in systems science and theory. Additionally, 58% of undergrads seeking a systems science and theory degree are men.

 The median score of systems science and theory professors is 4.2 stars, a rating that is 5% better than the median score across every major; which is a good ranking. If you are searching for the most popular systems science and theory professor nationally, take a look at Charlie Rolsky from [Arizona State University-Tempe](/colleges/arizona-state-university-tempe). This may come as a surprise, but the top rated systems science and theory professors from student rankings come from [University of California-Davis](/colleges/university-of-california-davis). As we including data beyond just rankings it becomes clear that the school possessing the overall best professors for systems science and theory is [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university). You will find more detail on our ever evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the top professors in the U.S.

 Finally, the most difficult university to get into for systems science and theory is [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we do have a detailed list of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, here at Authority we hope you understand that looking at the higher education world through a lens mainly derived from superlatives could cause problems. We encourage you to read our more focused pages on different colleges and explore a few of our informative background articles on beneficial things to look out for as your college search develops.



 ### POPULARITY

 Systems science and theory is the 291st most popular degree in America, with 441 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #292 [Science Teacher Education](/rankings/best-colleges-for-science-teacher-education), and narrowly lost to #290 [Civil Engineering Technologies](/rankings/best-colleges-for-civil-engineering-technologies).

 The degree is offered at a total of 19 colleges across the nation, and is the 385th most widely offered degree. It is only offered at 5% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America.

 It is also worth noting that in the neighborhood of 1 out of 2 colleges offering systems science and theory are public making it a pretty accessible field.

 The mid east produces the most systems science and theory graduates, largely led by [California University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/california-university-of-pennsylvania), while it’s the University Athletic Association that leads conference totals. As far as states, Pennsylvania ranks highest, with particular help from [California University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/california-university-of-pennsylvania) and [Carnegie Mellon University](/colleges/carnegie-mellon-university).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more systems science and theory graduates than [University of Alabama at Birmingham](/colleges/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham), which graduated 98 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study systems science and theory). More students studied systems science and theory as a percentage of total students at [Rhode Island School of Design](/colleges/rhode-island-school-of-design) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Systems science and theory is the 247th most expensive degree in America, with a median cost of $27,345 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #248, [Selling Skills and Sales Operations](rankings/best-colleges-for-selling-skills-and-sales-operations), with a median cost of $27,074).

 The Far West has the most expensive schools with high quality systems science and theory programs predominantly led by [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college) with an annual cost of $56,190. California is the most expensive state for systems science and theory also led by [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college).

 Public schools with solid programs generally charge 76.63% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 48.96% less than your average private school. So, if you're hoping to attend a state school, make sure you're eligible for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most expensive top 25 college for systems science and theory is [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college), which is the 31st most expensive college in America. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [California University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/california-university-of-pennsylvania). It costs just $11,574 per year, and it's its systems science and theory program is ranked #9. Another more affordable choice would be #8, [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) in Albany County, WY with a cost of $4,170 for in-state students and $16,740 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Starting college is a large investment for most people. It's critical to ensure you justify that cash outlay. We wish for the following income and career stats to support you in making a well informed decision when choosing your major.

 Fresh out of college, Systems Science and Theory graduates bring home $73,175 per annum on average, which is the 7th highest of any major. With experience in their professions, they predominantly bring in anywhere between $47,974 and $156,628, but average about $86,780. Just so you know, that is 2.25 times the United States average.

 The most popular job for a Systems Science and Theory graduate is Associate, which normally earn near $52,000; next are Specialist and Sales Specialist, which for the most part make approximately $40,000 and $32,000 respectively.

 The highest earning region for Systems Science and Theory graduates is The Mid East. The most well paid state for Systems Science and Theory graduates is PA. University Athletic Association has the most well paid Systems Science and Theory graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Systems Science and Theory: Median Professor Rating: 4.2 / 5, which is above average.

 Professors frequently play a severe role in shaping your college experience, no matter what you study. An effective teacher could provide inspiration and set a student up for future success. Contrarily, an unpleasant professor can cause undesirable stress or even worse... fail you!

 Systems Science and Theory professors have a median student rating of 4.2 out of 5, which puts these professors in the top 34th percentile in the United States grounded in overall professor quality. For context a 4.2 rating is 5% over the national median professor rating for all subjects. Professors of Systems Science and Theory slightly surpassed those from ["International Business"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-international-business), whereas ["Informatics"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-informatics)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Systems Science and Theory.

 Now for some statistics about Systems Science and Theory professors. Colleges located in fringe towns tend to have the best Systems Science and Theory professors. The Big East Conference has the highest rated Systems Science and Theory professors. The Far West region has the highest rated Systems Science and Theory professors. Public colleges tend to have higher rated Systems Science and Theory professors than private colleges. Finally, Florida has the highest rated Systems Science and Theory professors in America.

 Charlie Rolsky, professor at [Arizona State University-Tempe](/colleges/arizona-state-university-tempe)&nbspin Tempe, AZ is the most popular Systems Science and Theory professor in the US. Daniel Byrne, professor at [University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign](/colleges/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign)&nbspin Champaign, IL is the highest rated Systems Science and Theory professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Find out which schools have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be a very significant time of one's life; it's an occasion for individual progress and development. Undergraduates try to learn their calling and cultivate the must-have skills to be a prosperous adult. But growth goes beyond the classroom - the campus dialogue, the wild anecdote learned from an eccentric instructor, the exposure to a different vantage point. Therefore, a diverse college experience greatly enriches what one gains from the time at university.

 Systems Science and Theory is a more ethnically diverse focus than average\*. 55% of America's Systems Science and Theory majors are white students, followed by asian students (20%), students of other races\*\*(14%), and latino students (7%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Claremont McKenna College](/colleges/claremont-mckenna-college) located in Claremont, CA.

 Additionally, Systems Science and Theory slightly skews male, with nearly three in seven majors identifying as men. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) in Laramie, WY.

 Another substantial type of diversity is economic diversity. Systems Science and Theory is around the median for socioeconomic diversity (48th percentile). 28% of its students come from high income families, 16% are from homes making between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 27% grew up in families bringing in less than $30,000 a year. [University of Wyoming](/colleges/university-of-wyoming) has the most fiscally diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for Systems Science and Theory. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 20%
* Black: 4%
* Latino: 7%
* White: 55%
* Other: 14%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 58%
* Female: 42%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 27%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 28%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 65%
* Out of State: 26%
* International: 9%


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There are about 1,828 students enrolled in Systems Science and Theory in the USA.

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There are about 1,828 students enrolled in Systems Science and Theory in the USA.

PROFESSORS