Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Missouri, Drury's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $52,160—slightly above the national median and matching the state average. That puts this program in solid middle ground, though well behind what flagship institutions like Mizzou produce. The estimated $21,750 in debt creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.
What's harder to assess is whether Drury's smaller program size (which necessitates these estimates) signals specialized attention or limited opportunities. The school draws a reasonably selective student body with an average SAT of 1212, suggesting decent academic preparation. However, without actual outcome data, you're essentially betting that Drury's mathematics program performs at least as well as the typical Missouri program—not a radical assumption, but one worth acknowledging given the tuition investment at a private university.
The practical question is whether this estimated earnings potential justifies private school costs when Missouri State's nearby program shows reported outcomes around $48,000 with likely lower debt. If your child thrives in smaller environments and Drury's actual aid package brings costs close to these debt estimates, the numbers work. But recognize you're making this decision with peer-program data as a proxy, not a track record specific to Drury's mathematics graduates.
Where Drury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,235 | $52,160* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 | |
| $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 | |
| $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 | |
| 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 Drury University, approximately 27% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.