Analysis
A mathematics degree typically costs around $21,750 in debt at private non-profit institutions like Avila, paired with first-year earnings that comparable Missouri programs suggest reach roughly $52,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 signals manageable repayment—less than half a year's salary to clear the obligation, which beats the national benchmark and puts this pathway in reasonable territory.
What's worth noting is how Missouri's math programs cluster. Based on reported outcomes at peer institutions, the state median sits at $52,160, but the range is striking: Washington University graduates command nearly $80,000, while UMSL's start closer to $32,000. Where Avila's graduates would fall within that spectrum remains unclear without actual data, though similar programs across the state suggest mid-range placement is plausible. The relatively accessible admission standards and high Pell percentage indicate Avila serves a different demographic than WashU, which may affect both networking opportunities and career outcomes.
The practical question is whether this estimated debt load makes sense for your family's financial position. With a debt burden that comparable programs suggest can be cleared within five years on standard repayment, the numbers aren't prohibitive—but they assume your student lands near that $52,000 mark. If Avila's actual placement skews lower, or if your student needs graduate school for their career goals (common in mathematics), that calculus shifts quickly.
Where Avila University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,672 | $52,160* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 | |
| $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 | |
| $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Avila University, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.