Mathematics at East Tennessee State University

A mathematics degree from ETSU carries an estimated $16,500 in debt—well below both the state median of $18,750 and the national median of $21,500. That's the strongest signal here. Similar programs across Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $51,247, which puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.32. You'd be looking at roughly four months of gross income to cover the debt, which is reasonable compared to many bachelor's programs.

The complication is that four-year earnings drop slightly to $50,260, suggesting flat early-career growth rather than the typical upward trajectory. This pattern appears in the state data as well—Tennessee math programs show considerable variability, with outcomes ranging from nearly $104,000 at Vanderbilt down to around $39,000 at UT-Knoxville. Where ETSU sits within that range remains unclear since these earnings figures are extrapolated from peer programs rather than tracked graduates from this specific school.

For a parent evaluating this program, the low debt load is the clearest advantage. Even if actual earnings land toward the lower end of what similar Tennessee programs produce, you're not gambling with excessive borrowing. The uncertainty around career trajectory matters more if your child is debt-averse or planning graduate school, where starting salaries might matter less than having financial flexibility.