Mathematics at Francis Marion University

The math at Francis Marion appears roughly middle-of-the-road based on what comparable bachelor's programs in mathematics produce nationally. With estimated first-year earnings around $48,800 and debt near $21,500, this looks similar to the typical mathematics degree outcome—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests graduates could realistically manage their loans on an entry-level salary. That's not spectacular, but it's workable, especially compared to many other majors where debt exceeds half of first-year income.

What's worth noting is how little separation exists between programs in South Carolina. The estimated earnings here track almost identically to the state median, and even the flagship schools like USC and Clemson show graduates earning within a few thousand dollars of each other in their first year. Mathematics degrees tend to be fairly portable—the credential itself matters more than the name on it for many entry-level positions in data analysis, actuarial work, or teaching.

The real question is whether your child plans to use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate school or specialized training, where early earnings matter less than building a foundation. If they're heading straight to work, Francis Marion's price point (reflected in that manageable debt load) could actually work in their favor compared to pricier alternatives that don't show meaningfully higher starting salaries.