Mathematics at Dominican University

Dominican's estimated debt load of $17,000 positions mathematics graduates relatively well compared to the $20,500 national median—though it's worth noting these figures are drawn from comparable Illinois programs rather than Dominican's own reported outcomes. Combined with first-year earnings that peer programs in Illinois typically produce around $52,600, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests a manageable financial starting point.

The earnings estimate aligns with Illinois's state median and exceeds the national benchmark by about $4,000, which matters for a versatile degree like mathematics. Similar programs across Illinois show considerable range—from $51,000 to over $79,000 at Northwestern—but Dominican's accessible price point (reflected in that lower debt figure) means graduates aren't chasing premium salaries just to stay afloat. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, the institution clearly serves students who need affordability, and the estimated debt burden doesn't undermine that access.

The practical takeaway: if your child can keep borrowing near this $17,000 estimate, mathematics provides solid quantitative skills that travel well across careers, from actuarial work to data analysis. The lack of specific outcome data means you won't know how Dominican's career services or regional employer connections specifically benefit math majors, but the estimated financials from peer programs suggest reasonable launch economics for a degree with genuine labor market utility.