Analysis
A mathematics bachelor's degree represents one of the more financially sound undergraduate paths, and peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $49,000—a solid starting point for analytical careers. With estimated debt of $21,500, this translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, well below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome. Mathematics majors typically find work in data analysis, software development, actuarial science, and teaching, fields where earnings grow substantially with experience.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates derived from national medians, since Boise State's math program doesn't report specific outcomes data. This lack of reporting usually reflects small graduating classes rather than program problems, but it means you're making decisions without knowing how Boise State's mathematics graduates specifically perform. Idaho has seven programs offering math degrees, yet none publish earnings data, making state-level comparisons impossible.
The fundamentals look promising—mathematics degrees deliver strong career flexibility and the debt burden appears manageable based on typical outcomes. However, you'll need to dig deeper into Boise State's specific offerings: faculty expertise, internship connections, and whether graduates land in higher-paying tech roles versus lower-paying teaching positions. The national picture for math is encouraging, but confirm that this particular program offers the preparation and placement support that leads to those solid outcomes.
Where Boise State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boise State UniversityBoise | $8,782 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750* | 0.16 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003* | 0.09 |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $108,255* | $124,017 | $11,617* | 0.11 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $103,812* | $125,955 | $10,000* | 0.10 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $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 Boise State University, approximately 18% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.