Mathematics at Denison University

A bachelor's in mathematics from a highly selective liberal arts college carries weight, but the financial picture here requires careful consideration of what we don't know. Based on comparable mathematics programs in Ohio, first-year earnings around $49,200 align closely with the state median, while estimated debt of $22,600 sits slightly above typical levels for this degree. That 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—but these figures come from peer institutions, not Denison's own graduates.

The uncertainty matters more at a school like this. Denison's 17% admission rate and 1395 average SAT score indicate it draws high-achieving students who might command premium outcomes in fields like quantitative finance, data science, or consulting—precisely the career paths where a liberal arts pedigree can differentiate. Yet with only 13% of students receiving Pell grants, the typical family here may be less sensitive to whether this specific program justifies its cost versus state flagships where mathematics graduates report similar or better earnings. The top-performing programs in Ohio show that Kent State and Ohio State mathematics graduates earn $52,900-$54,400, roughly $5,000 more annually than these estimates suggest.

Without Denison's actual outcomes, you're betting on institutional reputation and network effects rather than proven earning power. If your child is headed toward graduate school or competitive entry-level positions where Denison's name carries currency, that may be worthwhile. If they need immediate earnings to justify the investment, the state benchmarks suggest no clear advantage over less expensive alternatives.