Mathematics at Eastern Michigan University

Based on similar mathematics programs in Michigan, Eastern Michigan's graduates likely start around $48,000—squarely in line with what other state schools produce for math majors. That's a respectable starting point for a field that typically opens doors to teaching, actuarial work, or analytics roles. The problem here isn't the earning potential; it's the $32,714 in debt that graduates carry, which sits notably above both the state median ($25,125) and the national benchmark ($21,500) for math programs.

That debt load translates to a 0.68 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning students are borrowing about two-thirds of what they'll earn in their first year out. While this isn't catastrophic—the field does show growth, with median earnings climbing to $53,000 by year four—it does mean graduates will likely spend several years managing loan payments that could otherwise fund professional development or graduate school. For context, nearby University of Michigan produces math graduates earning $80,000+ right out of the gate, though that's comparing a highly selective flagship to a regional university serving a different student population.

The practical takeaway: if your child can keep borrowing closer to the state average (perhaps through scholarships at EMU or by considering other Michigan universities with lower debt loads), a math degree offers solid middle-class earning potential. But at $32,000+ in debt, they'll need to be strategic about landing jobs that justify the higher borrowing—which may mean looking beyond entry-level teaching positions.