Mathematics at Briar Cliff University

A math degree from this small Iowa institution comes with an estimated debt load of $21,750—roughly on par with both national and state medians for the field. The question is whether the estimated first-year earnings of $51,000 make that investment worthwhile, particularly when we're working with figures derived from just three comparable Iowa programs rather than actual outcomes from Briar Cliff graduates.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. This tracks closely with Iowa State's reported outcomes ($51,422) and falls within the national sweet spot for math degrees. Iowa's math programs span a wide range—from University of Iowa's impressive $60,600 to University of Northern Iowa's $42,700—so location, networking, and individual performance likely matter as much as the institution itself. With 30% of Briar Cliff students receiving Pell grants, the relatively modest debt burden is particularly important for families without safety nets.

The reality is that we're estimating both sides of the equation here due to small graduate cohorts. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, the numbers suggest a defensible investment—math degrees generally pay off, and the projected debt won't be crushing. But if you need more certainty about what Briar Cliff specifically delivers, reach out to the department directly for placement outcomes and where recent graduates actually landed.