Analysis
A mathematics bachelor's degree from Alcorn State appears positioned near the middle of the pack based on peer programs nationwide. Similar math programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $49,000, which aligns with what graduates here might expect. At an estimated $21,500 in debt, the financial burden sits right at the national median for this degree, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44βa manageable figure that suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loans on typical starting salaries.
What makes this program particularly noteworthy is Alcorn State's mission-driven context: with 77% of students receiving Pell grants and a selective 25% admission rate, this is an HBCU serving predominantly lower-income students who might otherwise lack access to a math degree. The estimated earnings roughly match what Mississippi State's math graduates report earning, suggesting the degree holds similar regional value. For families where this represents a first-generation college opportunity, the combination of affordable debt and middle-of-the-road earnings could represent solid upward mobility.
The key uncertainty here is that we're working with national estimates rather than Alcorn State's actual outcomes. If you're seriously considering this program, contact the math department directly to ask about job placement rates and where recent graduates have landedβthat real-world data matters more than statistical projections when your child would be in that small cohort.
Where Alcorn State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,549 | $48,772* | β | $21,498* | β | |
| $9,815 | $48,084* | β | $22,050* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $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 Alcorn State University, approximately 77% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.