Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College

A mathematics degree from Hampden-Sydney positions graduates near the middle of Virginia's range, with comparable programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $57,000. That's nearly 20% above the national median for math degrees and matches Virginia's state average—which makes sense given the Commonwealth's strong STEM job market in defense, technology, and federal contracting. The estimated debt of roughly $22,000 yields a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about five months of their first year's salary.

The catch is that these figures come from peer institutions rather than Hampden-Sydney's own graduates, so you're essentially betting that this small liberal arts college produces outcomes similar to its state competitors. The school's 1168 average SAT suggests a solid student body, and programs at William & Mary and JMU—which do report data—show math graduates earning $58,000-$60,000, reinforcing that Virginia math degrees typically pay well. The 22% Pell grant rate indicates this isn't primarily serving students who desperately need the highest possible ROI.

For families who can afford Hampden-Sydney's environment and value its all-male, classical liberal arts approach, the projected math outcomes look reasonable. But if maximizing earnings is the priority, you're making that decision without confirmation that this specific program delivers—and several Virginia publics with proven track records cost less.