Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Colorado, this degree appears to track right at the state median—estimated $46,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $22,000 in debt. That's a manageable 0.47 ratio, meaning your child would owe less than half their expected starting salary. What's harder to gauge is how Colorado Mesa specifically compares to its in-state competitors, since we're working from peer program estimates rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes.
The state benchmarks suggest Colorado math graduates generally earn slightly below the national median ($46,252 versus $48,772), though several programs at larger Colorado universities report outcomes in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s. Colorado Mesa's 81% admission rate and lower SAT profile suggest it may serve a different student population than those flagship programs, which could affect both career placement and earnings trajectories in ways the estimates can't capture.
The debt load looks reasonable for a bachelor's degree in any field, and mathematics degrees typically offer solid employment prospects. But given the uncertainty here, you'd want to dig into Colorado Mesa's specific track record—where recent math graduates actually landed jobs, what industries hired them, and whether the program connects students to Colorado's tech corridor or teaching positions. The estimates suggest a workable financial picture, but only the school's placement data will tell you if that holds true for their graduates specifically.
Where Colorado Mesa University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,712 | $46,252* | — | $21,760* | — | |
| $10,017 | $52,695* | $67,691 | $27,000* | 0.51 | |
| $10,780 | $48,997* | $60,567 | $33,279* | 0.68 | |
| $12,896 | $47,835* | $58,736 | $21,020* | 0.44 | |
| $12,010 | $44,668* | $48,902 | $20,700* | 0.46 | |
| $16,430 | $41,176* | $68,103 | $20,960* | 0.51 | |
| 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 Colorado Mesa University, approximately 27% 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 6 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.