Mathematics at Drexel University

Drexel's mathematics program launches graduates into six-figure careers faster than nearly every other math program in Pennsylvania—only elite liberal arts schools like Swarthmore and Villanova produce higher earners. At $70,313 in year one, these graduates earn 44% more than the typical Pennsylvania math major and place in the 95th percentile nationally. The debt load of $30,899, while above the national average for math degrees, represents just 44% of first-year earnings—a ratio that any finance professor would call manageable.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates reported earnings, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. That said, the pattern makes sense. Drexel's co-op program places students in Philadelphia's strong finance and tech sectors, and mathematics majors are particularly well-positioned for quantitative roles at Vanguard, Comcast, and the city's numerous fintech startups. The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests these graduates continue advancing rather than stalling out early.

For families comparing in-state options, the contrast is stark: Drexel math graduates earn $22,000 more annually than the Pennsylvania median while carrying just $4,400 more in debt. Unless your child has secured admission to Villanova or Swarthmore, this program delivers exceptional return on investment despite the moderate tuition premium.