Mathematics at Elizabeth City State University

Comparable mathematics programs in North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $40,888, which aligns exactly with the state median but trails the national benchmark by nearly $8,000. For a program serving primarily lower-income students—53% receive Pell grants—this earnings gap matters significantly, especially when considering that peer programs at NC State and UNC Charlotte are pushing graduates above $42,000 right out of the gate.

The estimated debt load of $23,201 is manageable in absolute terms and produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, which is reasonable by any standard. However, the real challenge here isn't the debt burden—it's the earning potential. Mathematics graduates nationally command a median of nearly $49,000 in their first year, and Elizabeth City State's comparable programs are starting $8,000 behind that mark. This isn't a catastrophic gap, but it compounds over time and may reflect either geographic limitations in North Carolina's job market or differences in where graduates end up working.

The practical question is whether your child can leverage this degree into higher-paying opportunities—graduate programs, out-of-state positions, or fields like data science where mathematics degrees open doors. If they're planning to stay in the region and enter teaching or local employment, these estimated figures probably represent reality. If they have stronger academic credentials or career ambitions that point elsewhere, comparing this program's outcomes against NC State or UNC Charlotte makes sense.