Mathematics at Butler University

Similar math programs in Indiana suggest Butler's degree produces solid early returns—first-year earnings around $59,000 place this squarely at the state median and well above the $49,000 national benchmark. With estimated debt of $21,750, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $240, consuming about 5% of gross income. That's a manageable load that shouldn't dictate major life decisions.

The comparison to Indiana's top-tier programs is instructive. Notre Dame and Rose-Hulman graduates earn considerably more, but Butler's estimated outcomes mirror those at IU-Bloomington—a much larger public institution—while coming in at a significantly lower cost basis than the private powerhouses. For a school with an 86% admission rate, these peer-program earnings suggest Butler delivers competitive preparation without the pressure-cooker environment of more selective schools.

The real unknown here is whether Butler's specific program performs at, above, or below the Indiana average we're using as a proxy. Given the school's modest Pell grant enrollment (14%) and solid SAT scores, the actual outcomes could reasonably trend higher than these estimates. What you're buying into is likely a competent math education at a reasonable debt level, not a standout program that commands premium earnings, but also not a risk that should derail your child's plans if mathematics genuinely interests them.