Analysis
Washington's mathematics bachelor's programs show considerable variation, with top earners like Seattle University reporting nearly $58,000 while similar programs suggest more modest starting salaries around $46,500. Eastern Washington's estimated outcomes fall right at the state median, positioning graduates in the middle tier of Washington math programs. The estimated $15,500 in debt is notably lighter than both the state and national medians for this field, which typically sit around $21,500—potentially reflecting EWU's more accessible price point or a student body that relies less heavily on borrowing.
That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, even with first-year earnings that trail the private university mathematics programs by $5,000-$11,000. Similar programs across Washington indicate graduates can handle their debt load within a reasonable timeframe, though families should recognize these figures are composites from peer programs rather than EWU's specific track record. The real question becomes whether mid-tier starting earnings align with career goals—teaching positions may sit comfortably in this range, while students eyeing data science or quantitative finance roles might find themselves competing against higher-earning graduates from UW-Seattle or Seattle University.
For families watching their budget, a mathematics degree with below-average debt offers breathing room that shouldn't be overlooked. Just confirm that Eastern Washington's specific curriculum and recruiting relationships support whatever direction your student plans to take with the degree.
Where Eastern Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,353 | $46,585* | — | $15,501* | — | |
| $54,285 | $57,551* | — | $23,281* | 0.40 | |
| $50,920 | $51,950* | $68,358 | $27,000* | 0.52 | |
| $12,643 | $46,585* | $77,395 | $15,501* | 0.33 | |
| $12,559 | $46,585* | $77,395 | $15,501* | 0.33 | |
| $59,900 | $37,610* | $68,484 | $22,000* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 Washington University, approximately 35% 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 median of 6 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.