Applied Mathematics at Duquesne University

Applied mathematics programs in Pennsylvania cluster around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and Duquesne's estimated outcomes land right at that state median. With projected debt of $25,421—just slightly above the state median for this field—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. This suggests borrowers could theoretically clear their loans in under six months of gross income, which is relatively comfortable territory for a STEM degree.

The catch is that these figures are estimates drawn from comparable programs across Pennsylvania and similar institutions nationally, not Duquesne's actual graduate outcomes. The university's 79% admission rate and reasonable class profile suggest it's serving a broad student base, but without program-specific data, you're essentially betting on whether Duquesne performs at least as well as peer schools. Pennsylvania's applied math programs show limited variation in the available data—several cluster at that same $58,358 figure—though Robert Morris edges slightly higher at $62,328.

For parents, the question becomes whether you're comfortable with a decision based on state and national patterns rather than school-specific proof. The fundamentals look reasonable: STEM credentials typically hold value, the estimated debt burden isn't alarming, and Pittsburgh's tech and finance sectors provide employment options. But if competing schools offer transparent outcome data at similar costs, those programs reduce your guesswork considerably.