Applied Mathematics at Boise State University

A $60,930 starting salary based on national peer programs suggests Boise State's Applied Mathematics bachelor's could deliver solid earning power, though without school-specific data, parents need to understand they're betting on a national pattern rather than proven local outcomes. The estimated $21,000 debt load—roughly four months of first-year earnings—sits right at the national benchmark for these programs, creating a manageable financial foundation if the earning projections hold true. For an 84% admit-rate institution, these figures indicate the program could punch above its selectivity tier, assuming Boise State's graduates follow the national trend.

The challenge is that Idaho has just four schools offering Applied Mathematics degrees, and none report public outcomes data, making it difficult to verify how these programs actually perform in the regional job market. Parents should recognize that the $60,930 estimate reflects what happens nationally at similar programs—it's not tracking Boise State alumni specifically. The math could work differently in Idaho's economy, where tech hubs around Boise might offer competitive opportunities or where fewer local employers means graduates need to relocate for optimal salaries.

If your child thrives in mathematics and you're comfortable with the uncertainty inherent in estimated data, the debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable risk. Just know you're making this decision with national averages as your guide rather than hard evidence of what Boise State's Applied Math graduates actually earn in their first year.