Mathematics at Georgia State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Georgia State's math graduates start below the national median but make impressive ground, with earnings jumping 26% to reach $54,457 by year four—landing them near the 75th percentile nationally for this field. The $19,544 in typical debt is notably lower than both state and national averages, resulting in a manageable debt burden of just 0.45 times first-year earnings.
Within Georgia, this program sits in the middle of the pack initially but ultimately outperforms most state competitors by year four, trailing only UGA. The first-year earnings of $43,315 won't wow anyone, but the trajectory matters here. For a university serving a primarily working-class student body (half receive Pell grants), this combination of accessible admissions, reasonable debt, and strong earnings growth delivers solid value.
The math is straightforward: moderate debt, below-average starting pay, but strong momentum that closes the gap with top programs. If your student can handle the lean first year or two after graduation, this program builds toward respectable mid-career earnings without the debt burden that often accompanies STEM degrees at private institutions.
Where Georgia State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Georgia State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgia State University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 26th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia State University | $43,315 | $54,457 | $19,544 | 0.45 |
| University of Georgia | $47,188 | $63,502 | $20,645 | 0.44 |
| University of North Georgia | $45,533 | $43,362 | $22,750 | 0.50 |
| Georgia Southern University | $35,511 | $51,232 | $24,650 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia Athens | $11,180 | $47,188 | $20,645 |
| University of North Georgia Dahlonega | $5,009 | $45,533 | $22,750 |
| Georgia Southern University Statesboro | $5,905 | $35,511 | $24,650 |
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 Georgia State University, approximately 50% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.