Mathematics at Connecticut College

Connecticut's mathematics bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $53,000, which is where comparable programs suggest this degree lands. That estimated $21,750 in debt—slightly below the state median—translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning roughly five months of gross pay to cover what graduates typically borrow. For a selective liberal arts college (38% admission rate, 1412 average SAT), that's a relatively manageable debt load, though it's worth noting that only 14% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families here may not be relying heavily on loans.

The challenge with mathematics at a $80,000+/year institution is that peer programs at state universities appear to deliver similar outcomes. Trinity College mathematics graduates earn about $10,000 more in their first year, but UConn's various campuses cluster right at that $53,000 mark—the same figure estimated for Connecticut College. Mathematics is one of those degrees where the material is fairly standardized, and employers often care more about technical competence than institutional prestige.

If your child is drawn to Connecticut College's teaching style or campus community, this program won't saddle them with unmanageable debt. But purely from a return-on-investment perspective, similar state programs offer comparable estimated outcomes at significantly lower cost. The value proposition here depends entirely on how much weight you place on the small liberal arts experience versus the financial premium it commands.