Analysis
Franklin Pierce's mathematics bachelor's faces a significant challenge: while the estimated $21,750 in debt aligns with typical borrowing for this major, the projected first-year earnings of $48,772 fall dramatically short of New Hampshire's mathematics market. Other math programs in the state—where the median sits at nearly $80,000—produce outcomes 64% higher, suggesting this program may struggle to connect graduates with the quantitative roles that drive mathematician salaries in the region. Dartmouth's $108,000 figure represents the premium end, but even Southern New Hampshire's $51,000 demonstrates what regional competitors achieve.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 appears manageable on paper, roughly translating to affordable monthly loan payments. However, this calculation assumes the earnings estimate holds true—and given that New Hampshire's math job market clearly supports much higher salaries, Franklin Pierce graduates may need to relocate or accept roles outside their field to hit even this modest target. The school's 90% admission rate and below-average SAT scores may signal less rigorous preparation for competitive quantitative careers.
For families considering this program, the core question is whether Franklin Pierce provides specific advantages—location, teaching quality, networking—that justify paying similar debt for potentially half the earnings of peer state programs. Without clear evidence of such benefits, New Hampshire families should seriously explore the state's stronger-performing mathematics options first.
Where Franklin Pierce University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,963 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $65,739 | $108,255* | $124,017 | $11,617* | 0.11 | |
| $16,450 | $51,396* | $54,330 | $30,833* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Franklin Pierce University, approximately 27% 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.