Mathematics at Hampshire College

In Massachusetts, math programs range from MIT's six-figure outcomes to more modest returns, and Hampshire's estimated figures—drawn from the median of 15 similar programs across the state—place it squarely in the middle at around $62,000 in first-year earnings. That's well above the national benchmark for math bachelor's degrees ($49,000), though notably behind the state's elite programs where graduates routinely start above $75,000. The estimated debt load of $19,000 is actually lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross income.

The challenge here is the uncertainty. Hampshire's actual outcomes might differ significantly from these state-level estimates, either because of its distinctive curriculum, its student body (38% Pell-eligible suggests a different socioeconomic mix than many MA schools), or simply because small sample sizes can swing wildly year to year. The school's 70% admission rate and unconventional approach to mathematics education make it difficult to predict whether graduates will cluster closer to the $62,000 middle ground or lag behind.

If your child thrives in Hampshire's self-directed learning environment and plans to leverage their math degree strategically—whether for graduate school, tech roles, or data analysis positions—these estimates suggest reasonable financial risk. But you'll want direct conversations with the program about where recent graduates actually landed, since these peer-based projections can't capture what makes Hampshire unique.