Mathematics at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's mathematics program shows significantly lower debt than most comparable programs—roughly $14,000 versus a national median of $21,500—but the earnings picture requires careful interpretation. First-year earnings of $37,845 fall well below the national median but sit right at California's median, suggesting this reflects regional market realities more than program quality. Among California math programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, which means half of state programs produce similar or lower outcomes. Given that two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, many graduates are likely first-generation college students entering professional pathways that take time to develop.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 is quite manageable—graduates owe less than four months' salary, making loan repayment feasible even at these entry-level wages. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few atypical outcomes could skew these figures considerably, so treat these numbers as suggestive rather than definitive.

For families prioritizing affordability and access, this represents a low-risk entry into mathematics—you're not gambling much money on the degree. But if your child has strong academic credentials, the comparison schools like Cal Poly SLO show that California math graduates can earn $15,000+ more annually. The question becomes whether the financial accessibility here outweighs the lower immediate earnings potential, particularly if your student is considering graduate school where the undergraduate institution matters less than the foundation built.