Mathematics at Edgewood College

Is a math degree worth $27,000 in debt when similar Wisconsin programs typically yield around $50,000 in first-year earnings? That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 sits above the national median debt of $21,500 for math graduates, meaning you'd be paying more than typical for what peer programs suggest are middle-of-the-road outcomes. While a 0.54 ratio is manageable on paper—it would take roughly six months of gross income to cover the debt—it's worth noting that UW-Madison's math program produces starting salaries around $67,000, and even regional options like UW-Milwaukee show first-year earnings above $56,000.

The real question for Edgewood is whether the smaller environment justifies the premium. With a 95% admission rate and only 23% of students on Pell grants, this program serves a relatively affluent student body who may value individualized attention or the Catholic liberal arts setting. But from a pure return-on-investment standpoint, the estimated figures suggest you're paying more debt for outcomes that mirror the state average rather than exceeding it. Math majors typically have solid career prospects, but starting at $50,000 means every dollar of additional debt matters more in those early repayment years.

If your child is committed to Edgewood's specific community or academic approach, this program won't sink them financially. But if mathematics is the priority and cost matters, the public universities in Wisconsin appear to deliver stronger earning potential for comparable or lower debt loads.