Mathematics at Blackburn College

A debt load around $17,000 for a bachelor's degree is unusually manageable, especially for a math major. Based on comparable mathematics programs in Illinois, graduates might expect first-year earnings near $53,000, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32—well below the threshold where student debt becomes burdensome. For context, the typical Illinois math program leaves graduates with closer to $20,600 in debt, so Blackburn appears to deliver meaningful cost savings.

The earnings estimate aligns with the state median, suggesting graduates from similar programs compete reasonably well in the Illinois job market. Mathematics degrees generally open doors to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, and graduate programs—fields where the bachelor's degree serves as a foundation rather than a terminal credential. The relatively low debt matters especially if your child plans further education, as it leaves financial room for graduate school without compounding undergraduate borrowing.

With over half of Blackburn's students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many families watching every dollar. The estimated numbers here suggest a financially sensible path into mathematics—assuming your child will actively pursue internships and career planning to convert the degree into employment. The low debt load gives breathing room that many math graduates don't have.