Mathematics at Hamilton College

Hamilton College mathematics graduates start at $53,698—solidly above both the New York state median ($45,880) and national average ($48,772)—then see earnings jump nearly 50% to nearly $80,000 within four years. Among New York's 83 math programs, this lands in the 60th percentile, trailing the powerhouse STEM schools like Cornell and RPI but outperforming the typical state program while keeping debt remarkably low at just $16,275.

That debt figure tells much of the story here. With a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates carry roughly six months' worth of first-year salary in loans—far below the national median of $21,500 for math majors. This financial positioning, combined with Hamilton's 12% admission rate and rigorous liberal arts environment, suggests graduates are well-prepared for careers that reward analytical thinking beyond pure technical roles. The steep earnings trajectory from year one to year four indicates many graduates move into consulting, finance, or tech positions where math degrees from selective colleges command premium compensation.

For families who can navigate Hamilton's selective admissions, this represents a strong return: math skills developed at an elite liberal arts college, minimal debt burden, and career momentum that accelerates significantly in the early years. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear enough for confident decision-making.