Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio near 0.5 suggests manageable loan payments for a mathematics graduate, but the estimates here tell only part of the story. Based on the three Louisiana mathematics programs with available data, first-year earnings cluster around $44,000—roughly 10% below the national median for math bachelor's degrees. The estimated $21,500 in debt aligns with national borrowing patterns, though Louisiana programs typically see lower debt loads (median of $15,000 statewide). For Grambling's predominantly Pell-eligible student body, even this moderate debt level matters, especially if actual outcomes differ from state averages.
What's harder to gauge is trajectory. Mathematics degrees typically unlock strong mid-career earnings and flexible career paths, but first-year outcomes vary widely based on whether graduates enter teaching, industry analysis, actuarial work, or pursue graduate study. Louisiana's top program (Tulane) reports first-year earnings 27% higher than the state median, suggesting that employer connections and alumni networks create meaningful gaps even within the same field. With only three comparison points in Louisiana and no specific outcome data for Grambling's program, it's unclear where these graduates land.
For families weighing this investment, the debt level looks reasonable if graduates achieve earnings similar to Louisiana's median. But recognize you're making decisions with limited visibility—request placement data directly from Grambling's mathematics department to understand where recent graduates actually end up.
Where Grambling State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,683 | $44,136* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $65,538 | $55,916* | — | $14,957* | 0.27 | |
| $11,954 | $44,136* | $56,090 | $15,000* | 0.34 | |
| $10,418 | $42,475* | — | $24,200* | 0.57 | |
| 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 Grambling State University, approximately 72% 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 3 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.