Mathematics at Arcadia University

Comparable mathematics programs in Pennsylvania suggest earnings around $48,800 in the first year—right at the state median but well below what graduates from Temple, Drexel, or Villanova typically earn. That $25,000 gap compared to nearby competitors matters when you're carrying nearly $26,000 in debt. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 looks manageable on paper, it assumes those first-year earnings hold steady and grow predictably.

The challenge here is limited visibility. Because Arcadia's math program has too few recent graduates to generate public data, we're working from state averages rather than actual outcomes specific to this school. That means we don't know if Arcadia's smaller program connects students to different opportunities than larger state universities, or whether graduates follow similar paths into teaching, data analysis, or graduate school. The 79% admission rate and modest SAT averages suggest a less selective environment than the top earners in the state, which could correlate with different career trajectories.

Before committing to this program, dig into where recent graduates actually landed jobs. Ask the department directly about placement rates, typical employers, and how many students continue to graduate school. The estimated numbers suggest middle-of-the-road outcomes, but with this much uncertainty and stronger-performing alternatives nearby, you need concrete evidence that Arcadia's specific program delivers value that justifies both the cost and the risk.