Mathematics at Benedictine University

With roughly $17,000 in debt—well below both state and national benchmarks for math degrees—this program's financial foundation looks solid based on comparable Illinois programs. Similar mathematics programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $52,600, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. That means students would owe roughly a third of their first-year income, allowing them to pay down loans while establishing themselves professionally.

The earnings estimate aligns closely with several peer institutions in Illinois and sits above the national median of $48,800 for mathematics bachelor's degrees. While elite programs like University of Chicago and Northwestern command significantly higher starting salaries, those schools also tend to carry higher debt loads and different student profiles. For a school serving a substantial Pell grant population (39%), keeping debt low matters as much as earnings potential.

The key uncertainty here is that both figures are estimates based on peer programs rather than Benedictine's actual outcomes. For a mathematics degree that could lead to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, or graduate school, the trajectory matters enormously. If your child plans to pursue graduate education, this debt load won't handcuff them. For immediate employment, the combination of reasonable debt and solid estimated earnings suggests this program won't create financial stress—assuming the estimates reflect reality for Benedictine's specific graduates and career outcomes.