Mathematics at Dillard University

A bachelor's in mathematics from Dillard comes with an estimated $21,750 in debt—about $6,750 more than the Louisiana median for this degree—while similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $44,136. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 is manageable in absolute terms, meaning graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a few years. However, peer programs at LSU and UL Lafayette produce comparable earnings at substantially lower debt levels, which matters when you're trying to maximize the return on a significant investment.

The earnings estimate itself sits right at Louisiana's median for math degrees but falls about $4,600 short of the national benchmark. For context, Tulane math graduates earn about $12,000 more in their first year, though Dillard serves a very different student population—68% receive Pell grants, indicating most families have significant financial need. The question isn't whether Dillard can compete with an elite private university, but whether the additional debt burden makes sense when less expensive public options exist in-state.

Given the uncertainty in these estimates and the higher-than-typical debt load, this program requires careful financial planning. If your student has received substantial grant aid that brings actual borrowing well below $22,000, the math works better. But if they're facing the full estimated debt without significant scholarships, comparable outcomes at lower cost elsewhere in Louisiana deserve serious consideration.