Analysis
Massachusetts ranks among the strongest states for mathematics graduates, with median first-year earnings of $61,761—well above the national median of $48,772. Fitchburg State's program appears positioned right at the state median based on comparable programs, though the actual outcomes for this specific program remain unclear due to small graduate cohorts. The estimated $26,270 in debt falls slightly above the state median of $19,750, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, which suggests manageable repayment.
The challenge is context. Elite programs in Massachusetts—MIT, Tufts, Amherst—produce first-year earnings ranging from $78,500 to over $110,000, creating a wide performance spread within the state. Whether Fitchburg State delivers closer to the state median or falls below it matters enormously for return on investment. The university's 90% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest it serves a different student population than these elite competitors, but that doesn't automatically predict weaker outcomes for motivated math majors.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Fitchburg State can deliver outcomes matching the state median, which would make it a reasonable value proposition. Request actual graduate outcomes directly from the school—employment rates, graduate school placement, and alumni earnings data—before committing. The estimated figures suggest potential viability, but without real data from this specific program, you're making a decision with significant blind spots.
Where Fitchburg State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,046 | $61,761* | — | $26,270* | — | |
| $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750* | 0.16 | |
| $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003* | 0.09 | |
| $67,280 | $78,500* | $109,199 | $14,745* | 0.19 | |
| $63,141 | $76,392* | $90,232 | $21,750* | 0.28 | |
| $58,150 | $74,737* | — | $19,334* | 0.26 | |
| 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 Fitchburg State University, approximately 31% 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 median of 15 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.