Mathematics at Carson-Newman University

A mathematics bachelor's with an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 represents solid financial footing—roughly five months of salary to repay $21,750 in loans. Similar programs across Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $51,000, which exceeds both the national benchmark for math degrees ($48,772) and aligns with the state median. This positions Carson-Newman's program in reasonable territory for a private liberal arts college, where the estimated debt sits just above the national norm but remains manageable given the earning potential.

What's harder to gauge is whether this specific program delivers the state-median outcome. Tennessee's math programs show enormous variation—from Vanderbilt's six-figure earners to UT-Knoxville's $39,000—and without Carson-Newman's actual graduate data, you're making an educated guess based on peer institutions. The university serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (39%), which could indicate strong support systems, but it also means financial margins matter more for many families here.

The practical question: can you afford the estimated $22,000 in debt if outcomes fall below the state median? Math degrees generally offer career flexibility, but if your child's heading toward teaching rather than actuarial work or data science, that first-year salary could look quite different. The estimation uncertainty here means you'll want to dig into Carson-Newman's career placement specifics and alumni outcomes before committing.