Mathematics at Albion College

Peer mathematics programs in Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $48,000—squarely in line with the national median for math bachelor's degrees. With estimated debt of $21,750, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. For context, national data shows typical debt loads for math majors at similar institutions running about $21,500, so Albion appears consistent with broader patterns.

What makes the limited data here particularly challenging is the enormous range among Michigan's math programs. University of Michigan grads earn nearly $81,000 in their first year—almost 70% more than what comparable programs suggest for Albion. Even acknowledging that U-M is highly selective, this gap is striking for the same credential in the same state. The difference between spending four years at Albion versus a large public university could mean $30,000+ annually in early-career earnings, which compounds significantly over time.

The bottom line: If these estimates hold, Albion's math program produces workable debt relative to typical starting salaries, but you're potentially leaving substantial earning power on the table compared to in-state alternatives. Before committing to a private college price tag, confirm what financial aid would bring your actual out-of-pocket costs to, and compare that carefully against Michigan's public options where outcomes data is more robust.