Mathematics at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State's mathematics degree sits right in the middle of the pack nationally, but holds its own surprisingly well within Colorado—outperforming 60% of the state's math programs. At $47,835 starting out, graduates earn slightly below the national median but comfortably above Colorado's typical math graduate. That's meaningful given CSU's 90% admission rate: you're getting outcomes comparable to more selective schools. The $21,020 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—roughly half a year's starting salary—and earnings climb to nearly $59,000 by year four, a solid 23% jump.

The competitive landscape tells an interesting story. CSU trails UC Denver by about $5,000 annually, but beats CU Boulder—often considered the state's flagship—by more than $6,000. That gap likely reflects employability: CSU math grads may be better positioned for immediate industry roles in Colorado's growing tech sector rather than pursuing additional graduate education. The debt here is in line with state averages, and the earnings trajectory suggests early career momentum.

For a parent evaluating in-state options, this program delivers solid middle-tier value with reasonable accessibility. The math isn't flashy, but it works: manageable debt, steady earnings growth, and outcomes that match or exceed what you'd find at more selective Colorado schools.