Applied Mathematics at Auburn University

Auburn's Applied Mathematics program graduates earn nearly $61,000 in their first year—essentially matching the national median but landing in the 60th percentile among Alabama's limited options for this degree. The $19,000 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary. That's favorable compared to many bachelor's programs and leaves breathing room for either graduate school or early career development.

The catch here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Applied mathematics programs aren't abundant in Alabama (only four schools offer it), so if your student wants to stay in-state and pursue this field, Auburn represents a solid middle-ground choice at a well-regarded flagship university. The earnings don't reach the national 75th percentile ($71,670), but the debt burden stays reasonable.

For families, this looks like a sound investment if your student is genuinely committed to applied mathematics and either plans to stay in the Southeast or use this as a foundation for graduate work. The modest debt gives graduates flexibility, though families should recognize these numbers may not be rock-solid given the small cohort size.