Mathematics at Claremont McKenna College

A mathematics degree from one of the nation's most selective colleges should command strong earnings, but the available estimates suggest this program lands at California's median—around $38,000 in first-year earnings—well below what comparable institutions report. UC San Diego math graduates earn $52,000, and even nearby Pomona College reports just over $50,000. For a school with an 11% acceptance rate and 1514 average SAT, that gap is striking.

The estimated $21,750 in debt sits close to both state and national norms for math programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. Still, peer programs in California typically produce higher earnings with similar or lower debt burdens, meaning graduates here may face a longer path to financial stability despite their school's prestige. The 19% Pell grant rate indicates this remains primarily an option for affluent families, which may cushion the blow of lower-than-expected starting salaries.

What's uncertain is whether these state-based estimates accurately reflect Claremont McKenna's actual outcomes—the school's small graduating class triggers data suppression, leaving us with broader benchmarks that may not capture its unique value. If you're considering this program, contact the mathematics department directly for placement data and employer connections. At this price point and selectivity level, you deserve concrete evidence that graduates aren't simply landing at the California average.