Analysis
Carthage College's mathematics program shows promising results, though the limited graduate sample means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Starting at $52,593, graduates earn more than the Wisconsin median for math majors ($50,285) and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—respectable performance for a small liberal arts college with an 84% admission rate. More importantly, debt loads are exceptionally low: $27,000 sits well below both state ($23,642) and national ($21,500) medians, and that 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary.
The trajectory looks solid, with earnings climbing to $60,583 by year four—a 15% increase that keeps pace with career growth expectations. While this trails UW-Madison's $67,744 substantially, it's competitive with Saint Norbert and ahead of several UW system campuses. For families considering Carthage's intimate campus environment, the math program delivers without burying students in debt.
The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates means one exceptional cohort or career outcome can skew these figures dramatically. If your child is drawn to Carthage specifically, this data suggests the math program won't handicap their earning potential, but confirm current placement patterns with the department directly given the sample size limitations.
Where Carthage College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Carthage College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage College | $52,593 | $60,583 | +15% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $67,744 | $83,357 | +23% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $56,284 | $71,400 | +27% |
| Marquette University | $47,141 | $66,922 | +42% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $49,651 | $65,134 | +31% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $52,593 | $60,583 | $27,000 | 0.51 |
 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 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $50,285 | $53,677 | $22,248 | 0.44 |
 University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse | $9,651 | $49,651 | $65,134 | $23,000 | 0.46 |
| 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 Carthage College, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.