Analysis
Indiana's mathematics bachelor's programs show significant variation in outcomes, with top performers like Rose-Hulman reaching $86K and Notre Dame near $65K in first-year earnings. Based on seven comparable programs across the state, Bethel's mathematics degree suggests earnings around $59Kโclose to what IU-Bloomington graduates report and slightly above the national median for math degrees. The estimated $22K in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary.
The challenge here isn't the numbers themselves but what's behind them. With a 99% admission rate and below-average test scores, Bethel serves a different student population than Notre Dame or Rose-Hulman. Whether a Bethel mathematics degree produces outcomes similar to the state average depends heavily on factors we can't measure from this distance: teaching quality, career services, and how effectively the program prepares students for either graduate study or industry positions. The debt load appears reasonable, but peer program data can only tell you so much about this specific school's track record.
If your child is considering this program, focus on concrete evidence: Where do recent mathematics graduates actually work? What percentage continue to graduate school? The estimated figures suggest this could be financially viable, but you'll want direct answers from Bethel about placement outcomes before committing.
Where Bethel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,320 | $58,764* | โ | $21,750* | โ | |
| $56,674 | $85,977* | $96,973 | $25,000* | 0.29 | |
| $62,693 | $65,302* | $87,725 | $19,000* | 0.29 | |
| $11,790 | $59,277* | $74,190 | $22,000* | 0.37 | |
| $8,179 | $58,764* | $55,844 | $22,388* | 0.38 | |
| $9,992 | $49,387* | โ | $18,820* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | โ | $48,772* | โ | $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 Bethel University, approximately 35% 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 7 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.