Analysis
A bachelor's in Mathematics from Emporia State appears positioned right in the middle of the national pack, with comparable programs typically producing first-year earnings around $48,772. That tracks closely with what Kansas's flagship produces ($48,726 at KU), though it sits above K-State's $43,067. For a school with a 98% admission rate serving a substantial number of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes suggest the program delivers solid preparation without the price premium of more selective universities.
The estimated debt load of $21,498 creates a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates based on peer programs would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's among the better ratios for any bachelor's program, and it's actually below both the state and national medians for mathematics degrees. The competitive advantage here appears to be cost control rather than earnings premium.
The catch is uncertainty: with both earnings and debt estimated from similar programs nationwide, there's limited visibility into how Emporia State's specific graduates fare. What we know is that mathematics degrees generally produce employable skills, and the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. For families seeking an accessible path to a quantitative degree without gambling on outsized debt, this program fits the profile—but confirm actual graduate outcomes directly with the school before committing.
Where Emporia State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,356 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $11,700 | $48,726* | — | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $10,942 | $43,067* | — | $21,250* | 0.49 | |
| 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 Emporia State University, approximately 34% 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 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.