Mathematics at Augsburg University

Augsburg's math program sits in an unusual spot: it beats three-quarters of similar programs nationwide but falls below the median for Minnesota, where math graduates typically earn $57,166 their first year. That $2,800 gap matters when you're comparing in-state options—graduates from St. Olaf and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities both clear $58,000 in their first year.

The debt picture, however, is genuinely impressive. At $26,452, Augsburg math graduates carry less debt than 90% of math programs nationally and roughly $3,500 more than the Minnesota median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a comfortable position for starting out. For a school where 52% of students receive Pell grants, keeping debt this manageable while serving many lower-income students is noteworthy.

The catch: we're looking at a small sample (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. If your child is choosing between Augsburg and the U of M or St. Olaf, those schools offer marginally higher earnings with similar debt loads. But if Augsburg's environment or support services feel like a better fit, the financial difference isn't dramatic enough to override that judgment. This program won't maximize first-year earnings, but it won't saddle graduates with crushing debt either.