Analysis
Similar mathematics programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $52,160—a figure that sits comfortably above the national median and matches the state median for this field. With estimated debt of $21,750, that translates to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, this means roughly five months of that first-year salary would cover the entire debt load, assuming no interest—a reasonable starting point for a bachelor's degree in mathematics.
What matters more here is understanding the range. Missouri's math programs span from $32,000 to nearly $80,000 in first-year earnings, and with Culver-Stockton's 98% admission rate and modest SAT profile, this program likely falls somewhere in the middle tier. Mathematics degrees typically open doors to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, or graduate school, but the career path matters enormously. If your child is drawn to secondary education, these numbers make sense. If they're eyeing actuarial science or data analytics, the modest debt load gives them flexibility to build credentials through additional certifications or a master's degree without being buried in undergraduate loans.
The core question is less about the estimated numbers and more about fit: does Culver-Stockton provide the teaching, internship connections, and graduate school preparation your child needs? The debt is manageable regardless, but the earnings potential will hinge on what they do with the degree.
Where Culver-Stockton College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Culver-Stockton CollegeCanton | $29,915 | $52,160* | — | $21,750* | — |
 Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis | $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 |
 Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield | $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 |
| 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 Culver-Stockton College, approximately 36% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.