Mathematics at Augustana College

A debt load of roughly $17,000 for a bachelor's degree in mathematics is unusually manageable, particularly when similar programs across Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $52,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates would owe less than four months of their annual salary—well below the concerning threshold of 1.0 that signals financial strain. While we can't see Augustana's specific outcomes due to the small graduate cohort, these state-wide benchmarks paint a more favorable picture than the national average, where math majors typically graduate with $21,500 in debt.

The earnings estimate places Augustana's program right at Illinois's median for math degrees, though it trails elite programs like Chicago and Northwestern by significant margins. Still, $52,600 represents solid entry-level pay for recent graduates, and mathematics degrees historically offer strong wage growth as professionals move into data science, actuarial work, or specialized quantitative roles. The relatively low debt burden gives graduates financial breathing room during those crucial early career years.

For parents weighing this investment, the combination of below-average debt and competitive starting pay—based on how peer Illinois programs perform—suggests reasonable value. The uncertainty around these estimates means you should press Augustana's career services office for placement data: where do their math graduates actually land, and how quickly do they find work? Those specifics matter more than statewide projections.