Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,314
52nd percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,940
25% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
20
Limited data

Analysis

Duquesne's mathematics program sits squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's offerings, with graduates earning $62,639 four years out—placing it in the 60th percentile statewide but well behind elite programs like Villanova ($75,481) or Drexel ($70,313). The debt picture, however, stands out positively: at $26,940, students here graduate with remarkably manageable loans—lower than 94% of math programs nationally—and a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.55 means first-year graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under seven months of pre-tax earnings.

The 27% earnings growth trajectory is solid, suggesting graduates build valuable skills that employers recognize over time. That said, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means one or two outliers could skew these figures significantly—this isn't a large cohort where the median reflects hundreds of career paths. The program produces dependable mid-tier outcomes rather than exceptional ones.

For families seeking a mathematics degree without crushing debt, this represents a sensible choice, especially if your child values Duquesne's Pittsburgh location and 79% admission rate makes it an accessible option. Just understand you're paying for steady, reliable outcomes rather than the earnings potential of Pennsylvania's top-tier programs.

Where Duquesne University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally

Duquesne UniversityOther mathematics programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Duquesne University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Duquesne University graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Duquesne University$49,314$62,639$26,9400.55
Villanova University$75,481$84,324$25,4540.34
Swarthmore College$72,656———
Drexel University$70,313$81,966$30,8990.44
Temple University$59,167$54,614$22,5000.38
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania$48,828$52,311——
National Median$48,772—$21,5000.44

Other Mathematics Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$75,481$25,454
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore
$62,412$72,656—
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$70,313$30,899
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$59,167$22,500
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg
$11,036$48,828—

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 Duquesne University, approximately 18% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.