Analysis
Bryant University's Applied Mathematics program produces solid mid-career earnings—graduates earn $80,370 four years out, well above the $61,000 national median for the field. The 24% income growth trajectory is healthy, and the $26,000 debt burden sits comfortably below national norms. At first glance, these numbers suggest a reasonable investment.
The complication is Rhode Island context. Among the state's three Applied Math programs, Bryant ranks at the 25th percentile, with earnings notably trailing the state median of $82,074 and far behind Brown's $99,000. For in-state families comparing options, this matters—you're paying private school tuition ($26,000 in debt versus the state median of $18,000) for below-median state outcomes. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, but it's not competitive within Rhode Island.
If your child is committed to staying in the region and has strong academic credentials, this program faces tough in-state competition. However, if Bryant offers substantial merit aid or your child values its smaller setting and 66% admission rate over more selective alternatives, the national performance suggests they won't struggle financially. Just understand you're not getting Rhode Island's best Applied Math outcomes, even if you're doing fine by national standards.
Where Bryant University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bryant University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant University | $64,954 | $80,370 | +24% |
| Harvard University | $114,279 | $166,324 | +46% |
| Brown University | $99,193 | $125,979 | +27% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $71,814 | $120,626 | +68% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $75,105 | $104,439 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,169 | $64,954 | $80,370 | $26,000 | 0.40 | |
| $68,230 | $99,193 | $125,979 | $10,000 | 0.10 | |
| National Median | — | $60,930 | — | $21,393 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 Bryant University, approximately 11% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 58 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.