Mathematics at Eastern Illinois University

In Illinois, mathematics bachelor's programs range from DePaul's $55,586 to Northwestern's $79,530 in first-year earnings, and peer programs in the state suggest Eastern Illinois sits near the middle of this pack at around $52,597. That estimate aligns almost exactly with the state median for mathematics programs and exceeds the national benchmark of $48,772. The estimated debt load of $20,578 is manageable, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans with about five months of first-year income.

What requires attention is the four-year earnings figure: $45,955 represents a decline rather than growth. While this could reflect graduates pursuing teaching careers or graduate school during those years, it creates uncertainty about the program's career trajectory. Similar programs typically show earnings climbing steadily after the first year, making this backward movement unusual and worth investigating during campus visits or conversations with the department.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers based on comparable Illinois programs suggest reasonable value—debt is modest and initial earnings are solid. But that four-year dip is the wild card. Ask the department directly about career paths their recent graduates have taken and whether teaching certification or graduate school enrollment explains the pattern. If most graduates are launching into corporate or tech roles, you'd expect to see the opposite trend.