Mathematics at Fisk University

A bachelor's in mathematics at Fisk appears to track closely with other Tennessee programs, where comparable graduates typically earn around $51,000 in their first year. That estimated figure sits above the national median for math degrees ($48,772) and positions Fisk competitively within the state—though the range among Tennessee schools is stark, from Vanderbilt's six-figure outcomes down to UT-Knoxville's $39,000.

The estimated debt burden of $21,750 translates to a 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly five months of gross income to cover loans. That's manageable by most standards and slightly above the state median ($18,750) but in line with national norms for math programs. Given that nearly half of Fisk students receive Pell grants, the school serves many families where this debt level still represents meaningful financial exposure—but it's far from the crushing burdens seen in some fields.

The challenge here is that these numbers are estimates drawn from peer programs, not Fisk's actual graduate outcomes. For a decision this consequential, you're working with informed guesses rather than school-specific data. If your student is drawn to Fisk for reasons beyond the numbers—its HBCU mission, campus culture, or specific faculty—the math appears sound enough to proceed. But if you're choosing primarily on financial grounds, programs with reported outcomes (like Memphis or MTSU) offer less uncertainty about what to expect.