Analysis
A bachelor's in mathematics from Adrian College comes with an estimated $21,750 in debt—slightly above the national median but notably below what similar programs typically carry in Michigan, where the median sits at $25,125. Based on comparable mathematics programs in Michigan, first-year earnings around $48,000 suggest a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning the estimated debt represents roughly five months of that first year's income. This positions the program competitively with peer institutions: Michigan State graduates in mathematics earn nearly identical amounts, though Adrian's estimated debt load is lower.
What's less certain is how Adrian's graduates specifically perform compared to these state benchmarks. The estimates derive from just three similar programs in Michigan, reflecting data suppression due to small graduate cohorts. Mathematics degrees typically open doors to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, and graduate study—fields where starting salaries vary widely based on career path. The estimated $48,000 starting point aligns closely with national norms for the major, suggesting neither advantage nor disadvantage compared to mathematics programs nationwide.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures suggest reasonable financial positioning: lower debt than typical Michigan programs paired with market-rate earnings. However, the lack of program-specific data means you're making decisions without knowing how Adrian's actual mathematics graduates fare in the job market or what career paths they pursue most successfully.
Where Adrian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Adrian CollegeAdrian | $40,556 | $47,951* | — | $21,750* | — |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $80,676* | $97,139 | $21,589* | 0.27 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $47,951* | $54,324 | $21,500* | 0.45 |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $45,349* | $46,279 | $27,000* | 0.60 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adrian College, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.