Mathematics at Guilford College

Based on comparable mathematics programs across North Carolina, first-year earnings of roughly $41,000 would leave Guilford graduates trailing the national median for math majors by about $8,000—a significant gap for a field that typically commands strong starting salaries. The estimated debt of $21,750 sits near typical levels for bachelor's programs nationwide, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, but the real concern is whether these earnings grow substantially in subsequent years or remain compressed relative to what math graduates from larger research universities in the state are achieving.

The earnings estimate here reflects the median across nine NC mathematics programs, which means it could capture outcomes from regional colleges serving similar student populations—or it might not accurately represent Guilford's specific network and placement strength. Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill graduates earn dramatically more, but even graduates from NC State and UNC Charlotte start around $42,000-$44,000 according to reported data, suggesting Guilford's outcomes may cluster at the lower end of the state's range.

For a math degree to justify the investment, career trajectory matters as much as starting salary. If Guilford's graduates are entering teaching, nonprofit work, or roles that value a liberal arts foundation over technical specialization, these initial earnings may be appropriate—but parents should investigate where recent graduates actually landed and whether those paths align with their child's goals, particularly given the uncertainty inherent in estimated figures.