Mathematics at DePauw University

Indiana math programs show considerable spread—from Rose-Hulman's $86,000 grads to Purdue's near $50,000—and DePauw's position depends entirely on where its alumni actually land. The estimated $58,764 first-year earnings, based on Indiana's median for math programs, would place this program solidly middle-of-the-pack statewide and well above the $48,772 national benchmark. With estimated debt around $21,750, the financial picture looks manageable if those earnings hold true, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests borrowing less than five months of first-year salary.

The uncertainty here matters because DePauw operates in a competitive Indiana landscape where similar-seeming programs produce vastly different outcomes. The school's 54% admission rate and strong SAT scores suggest solid student preparation, but without actual graduate data, you're making assumptions about post-graduation paths—whether alumni enter lucrative analytics roles, pursue graduate school, or take lower-paying positions. The low Pell grant percentage (16%) indicates a relatively affluent student body, which sometimes correlates with better networking opportunities but doesn't guarantee career outcomes.

If DePauw's math graduates actually perform near the state median, this investment makes financial sense. But you're essentially betting on outcomes similar to peer programs without confirmation. Before committing, push the school for concrete placement data—where recent math grads actually work and what they earn—to validate whether this estimated picture reflects reality.