Mathematics at Bethel University

With estimated first-year earnings around $51,000 and debt under $22,000, this mathematics program appears positioned near the middle of Tennessee's pack. Similar programs across the state typically produce earnings that exceed the national median for math degrees by a few thousand dollars, though the standout here is the sharp range across Tennessee schools—from Vanderbilt's six-figure outcomes down to UT-Knoxville's $39,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests graduates would need roughly 5 months of gross earnings to cover their student loans, which falls within a manageable range for a STEM field. Tennessee math programs generally carry slightly less debt than the national median, and the estimated $21,750 here tracks close to national benchmarks. For context, peer programs in Tennessee show debt loads between $18,750 and $21,500, making this estimate reasonable but not exceptional.

The uncertainty around these figures matters because small program size prevents us from knowing whether Bethel's outcomes lean toward the stronger performers in the state or lag behind. What we can say is that the fundamentals—moderate debt paired with earnings that clear $50,000—suggest a viable path, assuming your child actually wants to teach, pursue graduate study, or enter fields where a math foundation matters. Without actual placement data, though, you're betting on Bethel's ability to match what similar Tennessee programs deliver.