Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests a manageable financial picture for this mathematics degree, though it's worth noting that both the $48,772 salary figure and $21,750 debt load come from broader national comparisons rather than tracked outcomes for Erskine's specific graduates. Math programs nationally cluster tightly around these figuresβthe difference between median and top-quartile earnings is just $6,000βso the estimation method likely captures the general range, but individual results will depend heavily on what career path your child pursues after graduation.
The estimated earnings align almost exactly with what similar programs produce across South Carolina, including larger schools like USC Columbia and Clemson. This suggests math degrees translate to comparable opportunities regardless of institution size, which makes sense given that mathematical competency is what employers value. However, with 40% of Erskine students receiving Pell grants, your family's actual debt could differ significantly from this estimate depending on financial aid packages and your specific circumstances.
The practical question is whether your child plans to use this degree for immediate employment (where the debt load seems reasonable) or as preparation for graduate school in fields like statistics, actuarial science, or data science. Since we're working from peer program data rather than actual Erskine outcomes, talking directly with the department about recent graduate placements would tell you more than these estimated figures can about what this specific degree delivers.
Where Erskine College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,710 | $48,772* | β | $21,750* | β | |
| $12,688 | $49,949* | $69,584 | $22,700* | 0.45 | |
| $15,554 | $47,529* | $71,461 | $22,500* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $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 Erskine College, approximately 40% 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.