Mathematics at Dordt University

A mathematics degree from this small Iowa college runs an estimated $21,750 in debt—roughly in line with what math majors nationally carry—but the earnings picture depends heavily on path. Based on comparable Iowa programs, first-year earnings around $51,400 place graduates near the state median for math degrees, though Iowa's flagship produces notably stronger outcomes at over $60,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment if graduates enter typical math-adjacent fields like actuarial work, data analysis, or secondary education.

The challenge with a small Christian liberal arts college is predicting which direction graduates take. Mathematics degrees offer versatility—some alumni pursue graduate study, others enter teaching, still others land in industry roles—and those choices produce wildly different early earnings. The estimate here reflects a middle ground across Iowa programs, but Dordt's particular mix of graduates (likely skewed toward education and nonprofit sectors given its mission) may differ from larger universities' outcomes.

For families comfortable with moderate debt and a school that prioritizes faith integration over career placement infrastructure, the financial framework appears workable. Just recognize you're making this decision with borrowed signals from peer programs rather than Dordt's actual track record, which remains too small to report publicly.