Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Virginia, Bridgewater's estimated first-year earnings of $57,271 land right at the state median—a solid showing for a small liberal arts college with a 91% admission rate. This suggests graduates are competing effectively with peers from larger state universities, though they're tracking slightly below Virginia's top-tier public institutions like UVA and William & Mary, which report earnings in the low $60,000s.
The estimated $21,750 in debt sits below both the Virginia median ($23,250) and produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. This is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. Mathematics degrees typically offer practical career paths in fields like data analysis, actuarial science, and teaching—areas where Virginia's strong job market likely contributes to these competitive earnings estimates.
The caveat here is that all figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not Bridgewater's actual graduate outcomes. For a school this size, individual cohorts can vary significantly. Still, the estimated financial picture suggests reasonable value: state-median earnings potential with below-average debt is a workable formula, particularly if your child thrives in Bridgewater's smaller-college environment. Before committing, ask the department about recent graduate placements and whether they're landing jobs that align with these estimated salary levels.
Where Bridgewater College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,350 | $57,271* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $14,559 | $61,247* | $60,523 | $24,475* | 0.40 | |
| $20,986 | $60,784* | $99,961 | $19,500* | 0.32 | |
| $25,040 | $60,494* | $91,943 | $20,750* | 0.34 | |
| $13,576 | $58,810* | $74,140 | $20,876* | 0.35 | |
| $15,478 | $55,731* | $61,470 | $23,250* | 0.42 | |
| 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 Bridgewater College, approximately 29% 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 8 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.