Mathematics at Bowdoin College

A $90,000 first-year salary positions Bowdoin's mathematics program among the strongest in the country—at the 95th percentile nationally—though peer programs in Maine show similar outcomes. While the debt figure of $21,750 is estimated from comparable selective colleges rather than Bowdoin's actual graduates, that level paired with six-figure earning potential creates a comfortable margin. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 suggests graduates could theoretically clear their loans in three months of work, assuming standard repayment terms.

The economics here look sound, but context matters. Bowdoin's 8% admission rate and 1514 average SAT score indicate these outcomes may reflect the caliber of students the school attracts as much as the program itself. Mathematics graduates from elite liberal arts colleges often pursue graduate degrees, consulting, or quantitative finance roles—paths where the Bowdoin name and network provide substantial value beyond the curriculum. Only 16% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting limited financial diversity.

For families who can afford Bowdoin or secure strong financial aid, the mathematics program appears to deliver strong returns, though whether that's unique to this school versus other top Maine programs remains unclear given limited state-level data. The actual debt burden for your student could vary significantly from these estimates depending on Bowdoin's financial aid package.