Mathematics at Carroll College

Carroll College's mathematics bachelor's degree faces a significant question mark: while national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $49,000, Montana's mathematics programs typically produce far lower returns—just $34,500 at Montana State University. That's a $14,000 gap that could signal either that Carroll delivers substantially better outcomes than its in-state competitors, or that the national estimate doesn't capture Montana's more challenging job market for mathematics graduates. The estimated $21,750 in debt sits right at national norms but slightly below Montana's typical $24,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that looks manageable on paper.

The real challenge is uncertainty. With only 8 mathematics programs statewide and Carroll's actual outcomes suppressed due to small graduate numbers, you're essentially betting on whether this program connects students to opportunities beyond Montana's borders or prepares them differently than MSU does. Carroll's stronger admissions profile (SAT of 1170 versus MSU's open access) and lower Pell enrollment suggest a different student population that might have advantages in networking or geographic mobility.

Before committing, dig into where Carroll's mathematics graduates actually work and live. If most stay in Montana, that $34,500 figure becomes your realistic target—making the investment shakier. If they're landing jobs in Seattle, Denver, or other regional hubs where mathematics skills command higher pay, the national estimate becomes more credible and the program more defensible.