<p>I'm looking up some schools for a friend.</p>
<p>Haha, I don't even know what that means :)</p>
<p>Here's a link with information:</p>
<p>This was just discussed in the "other college majors" forum:</p>
<p>No one has come up with a ranking, but the OP there at least had a list!</p>
<p>For those who do not know what actuarial science is, it is essentially a combination of math, statistics, computer science, and finance, and be aware: (a) there are currently only about 19,000 actuaries in the country; (b) insurance companies hire a large percentage but investment, banking and other financial industries, including the gambling industry, also hire a large percentage; (c) it is an ideal job for someone who loves math, statistics, and playing on a computer most of the day; (d) college graduates are generally in high demand and get starting salaries comparable to engineering; (e) there is a series of exams that begins toward end of college and then you take more over a period of several years to become a "fellow" in one of the two recognized actuary societies; (f) experienced actuaries who have reached that stage average in the six figure salary range and many make over $200,000 a year; moreover many move on to management and you will find them in senior positions in insurance and other companies; (g) actuaries are held somewhat in awe in insurance and other companies by many in the company who are not one.</p>
<p>In other words, it is one of those "sleeper" majors that most students know nothing about, only a small number get into, and most really like their jobs. </p>
<p>There are not many colleges that actually offer an actuarial science program that is sufficient to prepare for the first four exams. Thus, there is also no specific ranking list that I am aware; however, I am aware that Purdue, Indiana, UIUC, Wis, Columbia, NYU, Penn are well regarded.</p>
<p>The average starting pay with a BS is very good.
Wisconsin's 2006 numbers</p>
<p>Actuarial Science 16 Acceptances Reported
Base Salary Range: $49,000.00 - $65,000.00
Average Base: $58,056.25
Average Bonus: $6,142.86 (87.50% Reported)
Average Relocation: $2,850.00 (56.25% Reported)
Average Other Guaranteed Comp: (0.00% Reported</p>
<p>Go to Ohio State! It has top-rated programs in business, actuarial science, and accounting, all of which complement each other.</p>
<p>U of Waterloo is supposed to have the best program in North America.</p>
<p>Other than what drusba said, I'd like to add that many do drop out of the industry because of those exams. They are difficult and each one is harder than previous one. People get tired of failing and retaking exams or just studying many hours OUTSIDE of work.</p>
<p>Yeah, this is the best paying business career field I have seen so far. Higher than Finance and Accounting, which are usually the two most coveted majors of students on this site.</p>
<p>I think it's like I-Banking though in the sense that many drop out. I-Banking many don't like the hours and the lifestyle, and AS because of the exams.</p>
<p>Are there any rankings for this major anywhere?</p>
<p>Some firms include study time for the actuarial exams in their employment benefits.</p>
<p>wasnt the main character from Fight Club an actuary¿¿ haha thats funny =P</p>