Analysis
Similar math programs across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $48,800—right in line with the national median for mathematics bachelor's degrees. The estimated debt of $26,000 creates a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. For context, many math programs nationwide show similar debt loads, with a national median of $21,500.
What's harder to assess is where Chestnut Hill College's program specifically falls within Pennsylvania's wide spectrum. The state's top math programs—Villanova at $75,000, Swarthmore at $73,000, Drexel at $70,000—significantly outpace the state median, suggesting that institution matters considerably in this field. With 74 math programs in Pennsylvania ranging from elite to regional, outcomes can vary by $30,000 or more annually. The college's 79% admission rate and 47% Pell enrollment indicate it serves a broad student population, which may influence both the academic preparation students bring and the career networks they access after graduation.
The estimated figures point to a financially sustainable mathematics degree if the actual outcomes match peer programs, but you're investing without knowing if your student will land closer to the $48,000 median or have access to the higher-paying opportunities that stronger-branded Pennsylvania schools seem to secure for their math graduates.
Where Chestnut Hill College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chestnut Hill CollegePhiladelphia | $39,410 | $48,800* | — | $25,990* | — |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $75,481* | $84,324 | $25,454* | 0.34 |
 Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore | $62,412 | $72,656* | — | —* | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $70,313* | $81,966 | $30,899* | 0.44 |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $59,167* | $54,614 | $22,500* | 0.38 |
 Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh | $47,146 | $49,314* | $62,639 | $26,940* | 0.55 |
| 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 Chestnut Hill College, approximately 47% 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 12 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.