Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests that based on comparable mathematics programs in Ohio, graduates would be borrowing less than half their first-year salaryβa manageable starting point by most standards. The estimated $20,625 in debt aligns closely with the state median for this credential, while projected earnings of $49,228 match what typical Ohio mathematics bachelor's programs produce. For context, this puts the program right at the national median of $48,772, meaning it appears competitive with the broader field even if it doesn't reach the heights of Ohio State or Kent State's $52,000-54,000 outcomes.
What matters here is that mathematics degrees generally offer solid financial footing, and the estimates for Central State track with that pattern. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (42%), and the debt figures suggest they're not being saddled with outsized loans for this major. While you won't know this specific program's actual outcomes until more graduates enter the data system, peer programs in Ohio demonstrate consistent employment demand for math majors.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to mathematics and values Central State's environment, the financial framework appears sound based on how similar programs perform. Just recognize you're working with state-wide patterns rather than this program's proven track record, so the usual due diligence about faculty quality and curriculum rigor becomes even more important.
Where Central State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,824 | $49,228* | β | $20,625* | β | |
| $7,272 | $54,367* | β | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,846 | $54,367* | β | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,859 | $52,921* | $58,860 | $20,500* | 0.39 | |
| $17,809 | $49,541* | β | $18,850* | 0.38 | |
| $13,570 | $48,914* | β | $20,970* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $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 Central State University, approximately 42% 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 8 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.