Analysis
A mathematics degree from Doane appears to track closely with national norms, though pinning down exact outcomes requires looking at peer programs rather than school-specific data. Based on similar bachelor's programs nationwide, graduates might expect around $48,800 in first-year earnings against roughly $21,750 in debt—a manageable 0.45 ratio that suggests the degree shouldn't overwhelm early-career budgets. However, Nebraska's math graduates typically earn slightly more (about $51,100 median), and the state's flagship programs show considerable range, from UNO's nearly $59,000 to UNL's $43,000.
The estimated debt load sits right at national benchmarks for math degrees, which is reasonable given Doane's private liberal arts model. What matters more is whether the program can deliver earnings closer to the state's higher median rather than the national average. Math degrees generally offer solid job prospects, but outcomes depend heavily on whether graduates pursue technical roles (actuarial science, data analysis, software development) versus teaching or graduate school paths that might delay peak earnings.
For a family considering Doane, the key question is whether the small-college environment justifies potential uncertainty around outcomes. The numbers suggest typical performance for a math degree, but without program-specific data, you're essentially betting on Doane delivering what comparable institutions manage. If your student thrives in smaller settings and plans to pursue quantitative career paths, the debt level shouldn't be prohibitive—but stronger data from Nebraska's larger universities provides more concrete ground to stand on.
Where Doane University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,491 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $8,370 | $58,995* | — | $26,069* | 0.44 | |
| $10,108 | $43,225* | $63,798 | $19,261* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Doane University, approximately 28% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.