Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 signals a manageable financial start for math graduates. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, first-year earnings around $59,000 paired with roughly $21,000 in debt means your child would face monthly loan payments representing about 6% of their gross income—well within the standard "safe" range that financial advisors recommend.
What makes this calculation tricky is that both figures come from national peer programs, not Carroll's actual graduates. Mathematics and statistics degrees typically produce strong, consistent outcomes across different schools, but Carroll's small program size means we can't verify whether its graduates match these benchmarks or exceed them. The institution's decent admission selectivity (73% acceptance rate, 1170 average SAT) and low Pell percentage (18%) suggest a student body that may have additional resources, which could cushion any financial uncertainty.
The practical upside: math and statistics skills translate across industries and geographies, making this degree portable whether your child stays in Montana or relocates for better opportunities. The downside: you're investing based on what similar programs deliver elsewhere, not proven outcomes from this specific college. Before committing, ask Carroll's career services for placement data—where do their math graduates actually land, and at what salaries?
Where Carroll College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics and statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics and Statistics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carroll CollegeHelena | $40,352 | $59,063* | — | $21,250* | — |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $102,938* | — | $19,000* | 0.18 |
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $89,689* | $106,786 | $19,000* | 0.21 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $80,154* | $121,018 | —* | — |
 Fordham UniversityBronx | $61,992 | $59,063* | — | $24,625* | 0.42 |
 University at AlbanyAlbany | $10,408 | $51,917* | $61,222 | $21,750* | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $59,063* | — | $21,750* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics and statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
Bioinformatics Technicians
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 Carroll College, approximately 18% 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 national median of 7 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.