Analysis
A debt load of $27,000 is manageable for most math graduates, but Carroll's estimated figures reveal a gap worth considering. While similar Wisconsin programs suggest first-year earnings around $50,285—roughly matching the state median—this puts Carroll behind peer institutions like Saint Norbert and Carthage, where math graduates earn $52,000-plus, and well behind UW-Madison's $67,744.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 means your child would owe about half their first-year salary, which is workable but not exceptional for a STEM field that typically offers stronger financial returns. Comparable programs at Wisconsin's private colleges carry median debt of just $23,642, suggesting Carroll's $27,000 estimate sits on the higher end. Mathematics bachelor's degrees generally lead to stable careers in education, actuarial work, or analytics, but starting salaries don't provide much cushion for aggressive loan repayment.
The uncertainty here matters. With suppressed data, you're relying on peer program outcomes rather than Carroll's actual track record. If your child is considering mathematics, look closely at Carroll's career services, job placement support, and alumni network—factors that could make the difference between matching these estimates and falling short.
Where Carroll University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carroll UniversityWaukesha | $37,230 | $50,285* | — | $27,000* | — |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $67,744* | $83,357 | $20,500* | 0.30 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $56,284* | $71,400 | $27,000* | 0.48 |
 Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere | $44,432 | $52,644* | — | $27,000* | 0.51 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $52,593* | $60,583 | $27,000* | 0.51 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $50,285* | $53,677 | $22,248* | 0.44 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 University, approximately 22% 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 median of 9 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.