Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests a manageable financial picture for this mathematics program, though the figures deserve scrutiny. Both the earnings estimate of $52,160 and debt estimate of $19,922 come from a small pool of comparable Missouri programs—just four for earnings and three for debt. This limited peer set makes it harder to assess what's typical for Harris-Stowe specifically, but the numbers align closely with state medians and sit above the national earnings benchmark of $48,772.
What's particularly relevant here is the institution's profile: with 73% of students receiving Pell grants, Harris-Stowe serves a population where even modest debt carries real weight. The estimated first-year salary would make monthly payments workable, assuming those earnings materialize. However, the wide range among Missouri math programs—from $31,856 to $79,799 at reporting schools—shows that outcomes vary dramatically depending on employer demand, geographic mobility, and program quality.
For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether Harris-Stowe's graduates achieve earnings similar to the state median used for this estimate. Without school-specific data, you're making an informed bet based on peer performance. The debt load appears reasonable if the earnings projection holds, but verify placement rates and ask the school directly about where recent graduates are working and what they're earning.
Where Harris-Stowe State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Harris-Stowe State UniversitySaint Louis | $6,442 | $52,160* | — | $19,922* | — |
 Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis | $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 |
 Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield | $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 |
| 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 Harris-Stowe State University, approximately 73% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.