Mathematics at Boston College

Boston College mathematics graduates start with earnings 52% above the national median for math majors, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. That $74,144 first-year figure grows to nearly $99,000 by year four—a 34% jump that reflects strong career trajectory. The modest $18,025 in debt means graduates owe less than a quarter of their first-year salary, creating breathing room that many programs can't match.

The state context tells a more nuanced story. While BC math grads significantly outperform the Massachusetts median ($62,000), they trail elite programs like MIT, Tufts, and Amherst by considerable margins—sometimes $30,000+ in starting salary. This 60th percentile ranking in Massachusetts reflects the program's position: excellent by national standards, solid but not exceptional within a state packed with elite technical universities. For context, BC's selectivity (16% admission rate, 1501 SAT) sits below MIT and Tufts, which partially explains the earnings gap.

The value proposition here is strong, particularly for families prioritizing manageable debt. You're getting well-above-average outcomes at a selective institution without the crushing loan burden that sometimes accompanies private school degrees. If your child can get into MIT or Tufts, the earnings data suggests exploring those options—but BC delivers impressive results with financial flexibility that matters early in a career.