Mathematics at Bellarmine University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 sits in manageable territory for a STEM degree, though there's an important caveat: Bellarmine's small graduate sample means both the earnings and debt figures here come from broader national patterns rather than tracking what actually happened to this school's math majors. Similar bachelor's programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $49,000, which would make the estimated $21,750 debt load reasonable on paper.

The reality check comes from Kentucky's math market. Comparable programs in the state show much lower earnings—a median of $31,734, with even the flagship University of Kentucky at $39,211. If Bellarmine's outcomes track closer to state norms than national ones, that $48,772 estimate could be significantly optimistic, which would make the debt burden feel heavier than the ratio suggests. The school's 94% admission rate and modest selectivity also raise questions about whether its graduates will access the higher-paying analytics or actuarial roles that lift mathematics degree holders above $40,000.

Your best move is treating that $21,750 debt estimate as a ceiling rather than accepting it passively. Because we're working with modeled figures rather than actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting on Bellarmine delivering results comparable to the national average despite operating in a lower-wage regional market. That's possible—particularly if your child pursues internships and graduate school pathways—but it's a bet worth examining closely before writing tuition checks.