Mathematics at Aurora University

A math degree with an estimated debt load of $17,000 is notably lighter than what similar Illinois programs typically carry—most mathematics bachelor's graduates in the state leave with around $20,600 in debt. Combined with projected first-year earnings near $52,600 (the Illinois median for math programs), this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning roughly one-third of that first year's salary could theoretically cover the entire debt burden.

What matters here is that these estimates come from peer programs across Illinois, not Aurora University's actual graduate outcomes. The earnings figure aligns with what Illinois State produces and sits comfortably above the national median of $48,800 for math bachelor's degrees. Aurora serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (43%), so the lighter-than-typical debt picture—if it holds true for actual graduates—could represent genuine accessibility for middle-income families. Mathematics degrees generally offer solid foundational value: quantitative skills translate across multiple career paths, from actuarial work to data analysis to teaching.

The practical consideration is whether your child's specific outcome will mirror these state-level patterns. With such limited data available, meeting with Aurora's career services about mathematics graduate placement and talking to recent alumni becomes essential. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools where actual outcomes are reported.