Analysis
A bachelor's in mathematics from College of Charleston likely results in earnings around $49,000 in the first year, with roughly $21,500 in debt—figures based on what math graduates nationally typically earn and borrow. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable debt: a graduate would owe less than half their first-year salary, meaning this investment should pay for itself relatively quickly. Comparable programs in South Carolina show similar outcomes, with USC-Columbia grads earning just slightly more at $50,000 and Clemson grads earning slightly less at $47,500.
The challenge here is that we're working with estimates rather than this school's actual graduate data, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether College of Charleston's specific program performs better or worse than its peers. Math degrees generally provide solid financial footing—the analytical skills transfer well across industries—but individual outcomes depend heavily on what career path a student chooses. Finance, actuarial work, and data analysis typically pay better than teaching or continuing to graduate school immediately.
For anxious parents, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value: the debt load isn't crushing, and math graduates typically find employment. But given the data limitations, you'd want to dig into placement outcomes directly with the department—where do their graduates actually land, and what are they earning? The selectivity here (72% admission rate, 1238 SAT) suggests this isn't a reach school academically, which could mean strong support for a genuinely interested student.
Where College of Charleston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,978 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $12,688 | $49,949* | $69,584 | $22,700* | 0.45 | |
| $15,554 | $47,529* | $71,461 | $22,500* | 0.47 | |
| 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 College of Charleston, approximately 19% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.