Analysis
New Mexico has only one bachelor's program in applied mathematics, and while we can't see specific outcomes for Eastern New Mexico University's graduates, peer programs nationally suggest this degree delivers solid earning power relative to modest debt. Based on the national median, graduates typically earn around $61,000 in their first year—a respectable figure that should make the estimated $21,000 in student loans manageable. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means graduates are likely looking at monthly payments well under 10% of their gross income, assuming standard repayment terms.
The challenge is context. Without state-level comparisons or actual data from ENMU's program, you're relying entirely on what happens at applied math programs elsewhere in the country. That national median is helpful, but it doesn't tell you whether ENMU's rural Portales location affects local job prospects, or whether the university's career services successfully connects math graduates with employers. Applied mathematics is versatile—graduates work in tech, finance, government, research—but breaking into those fields often depends on internship networks and alumni connections that vary dramatically by school.
If your student is New Mexico-based and planning to stay regional, investigate where recent ENMU math graduates actually land jobs. The degree itself appears financially sound based on national patterns, but you'll want confirmation that this specific program opens doors in your target job market.
Where Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,863 | $60,930* | — | $21,000* | — | |
| $59,076 | $114,279* | $166,324 | —* | — | |
| $68,230 | $99,193* | $125,979 | $10,000* | 0.10 | |
| $60,952 | $97,700* | — | $25,841* | 0.26 | |
| $65,997 | $94,684* | — | —* | — | |
| $69,045 | $91,559* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.