Analysis
A $20,000 debt load for a mathematics bachelor's degree positions Alabama A&M graduates reasonably well, with peer programs in Alabama suggesting a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—meaning roughly five months of first-year salary to cover the debt. That's manageable territory for a STEM credential. However, the estimated $45,500 first-year earnings sit about $3,000 below the national median for math degrees, and Alabama A&M serves a population where nearly two-thirds receive Pell grants, making even moderate debt more consequential for families with limited financial cushion.
The range among Alabama math programs is striking. Athens State graduates earn $57,600 in their first year—$12,000 more than the state median—while Troy's $31,300 shows how much outcomes can vary within the same state and major. Without Alabama A&M's actual graduate data, you're making a bet that their outcomes align with the middle of the state pack rather than the extremes. The school's 947 average SAT and 66% admission rate suggest it's serving a different student population than Alabama or UAB, which may influence both career networks and placement opportunities.
For families weighing this investment: the estimated debt burden isn't alarming, but the earnings projection is modest for a math degree. If your child can minimize borrowing through scholarships or work, the risk decreases substantially. If they're contemplating graduate school or data science careers that require additional credentials, factor those costs into your calculus now.
Where Alabama A & M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,024 | $45,494* | — | $20,000* | — | |
| — | $57,584* | $49,573 | —* | — | |
| $8,832 | $46,130* | $46,880 | $25,350* | 0.55 | |
| $11,900 | $44,857* | $60,584 | $20,000* | 0.45 | |
| $9,792 | $31,339* | — | $17,500* | 0.56 | |
| 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 Alabama A & M University, approximately 64% 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 4 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.