Mathematics at Brandeis University

A $26,559 debt load for a mathematics degree lands Brandeis in the 9th percentile nationally—meaning 91% of similar programs leave students with more debt. That's genuinely impressive. The earnings picture requires more interpretation: with no reported data from Brandeis graduates, we're working with Massachusetts state medians of roughly $62,000 for first-year math bachelor's holders. That figure puts this program solidly in the middle of Bay State outcomes, but well below what MIT, Tufts, and even Northeastern graduates achieve in their first year.

The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment if those state-level earnings hold true for Brandeis math graduates specifically. At $62,000, a graduate could reasonably service this debt without major lifestyle constraints. But context matters: Brandeis is highly selective (35% admission rate, 1473 average SAT), yet its math program—at least based on peer outcomes in Massachusetts—produces earnings closer to the state median than to top-tier results. Whether that's because Brandeis math graduates pursue academia, nonprofits, or simply haven't hit their stride after one year remains unclear without actual data.

The low debt here creates real breathing room, which shouldn't be underestimated. If this program appeals for its academic rigor or graduate school preparation, the debt burden won't hamstring those plans. Just recognize you're betting on trajectory rather than immediate returns—and without program-specific data, that trajectory remains uncertain.