Mathematics at Bennington College

First-year earnings around $49,000—drawn from national peer programs—position this mathematics degree in solid territory, with estimated debt of $21,750 producing a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's below the concerning 1.0 threshold and suggests graduates could theoretically dedicate half their first-year salary to loan repayment and clear the debt in about 12 months, though few would realistically do so. The national benchmarks for math bachelor's programs cluster tightly, with Bennington's estimated figures landing at the median rather than the higher-performing 75th percentile, which hovers around $55,000.

Vermont's own data tells a strikingly different story. The University of Vermont—the only in-state program with reported outcomes—shows math graduates earning just $30,400, roughly $18,000 less than what comparable programs nationally suggest. This gap raises practical questions about whether Bennington's selective profile (SAT scores averaging 1358, admission rate under 50%) translates to outcomes closer to national norms or whether Vermont's regional economy dampens earning potential regardless of institution quality. The college's low Pell enrollment (21%) suggests a student body that may have more financial flexibility during the job search, potentially enabling moves to stronger markets.

Without actual graduate data, you're essentially betting that Bennington's mathematics program performs like national peers rather than its Vermont neighbor. That's not unreasonable given the school's selectivity, but it's still a bet.