Degree of $h$-polynomials of edge ideals

In this paper, we investigate the degree of $h$-polynomials of edge ideals of finite simple graphs. In particular, we provide combinatorial formulas for the degree of the $h$-polynomial for various fundamental classes of graphs such as paths, cycles, and bipartite graphs. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the first investigation into the combinatorial interpretation of this algebraic invariant. Additionally, we characterize all connected graphs in which the sum of the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity and the degree of the $h$-polynomial of an edge ideal reaches its maximum value, which is the number of vertices in the graph.