Analysis
In North Carolina, mathematics bachelor's programs show stark divides—Duke graduates earn $121,000 while most public universities cluster around $40,000-$43,000. Based on similar programs statewide, Brevard's mathematics graduates likely fall into this lower tier, with estimated first-year earnings of $40,888 against an estimated $21,750 in debt. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable affordability: graduates would owe roughly half their first-year income, manageable for someone entering a quantitative field with growth potential.
The concern here isn't the debt load—it's competitive positioning. These estimated earnings trail the national mathematics median of $48,772 by nearly $8,000 annually, a gap that compounds significantly over a career. For families paying private school tuition at a smaller institution like Brevard, you're getting outcomes comparable to NC's regional public universities but likely at higher cost. Mathematics graduates typically need either graduate education or specific technical skills to maximize earnings, and a bachelor's from a less-known program may not open as many doors initially.
If your child thrives in Brevard's small-college environment and plans to pursue graduate school or teaching certification, the debt level won't be crushing. But if they're aiming for data science, actuarial work, or tech industry positions where pedigree matters for that first job, understand that peer programs suggest you're paying for the experience more than the outcomes.
Where Brevard College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,250 | $40,888* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 | |
| $8,989 | $53,402* | $87,301 | $14,500* | 0.27 | |
| $8,895 | $43,585* | — | $21,256* | 0.49 | |
| $7,214 | $42,740* | $57,150 | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| $7,361 | $40,888* | $50,943 | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Brevard College, approximately 38% 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 median of 9 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.