Analysis
A debt load of roughly $22,000 for a mathematics degree looks manageable on paper—the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests graduates could realistically pay this off within a few years. Based on comparable mathematics programs across New York, first-year earnings around $46,000 align with the state median, though they trail the national benchmark by about $3,000. For context, this places Hartwick's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of the pack statewide, far below elite programs like Cornell ($87,000) but within the typical range for regional liberal arts colleges.
The challenge here is that these figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions—we don't have actual graduate outcomes for Hartwick's mathematics program specifically. Similar programs in New York suggest this earning potential, but your child's actual experience could vary based on factors like internship access, alumni networks, and career services support. The mathematics major itself remains versatile, opening doors to teaching, data analysis, actuarial work, and graduate study, but the wide range in outcomes across New York schools (from $46,000 to over $80,000) underscores how much institutional resources and geographic location matter.
Before committing, get concrete data directly from Hartwick: where do their math graduates actually work, what's their job placement rate, and how many pursue graduate school? Without program-specific outcomes, you're betting on the strength of the mathematics degree itself rather than this school's particular track record.
Where Hartwick College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,849 | $45,880* | — | $21,697* | — | |
| $66,014 | $87,251* | $127,962 | $14,146* | 0.16 | |
| $61,884 | $80,196* | $100,012 | $24,250* | 0.30 | |
| $61,992 | $73,204* | — | $26,949* | 0.37 | |
| $60,438 | $58,481* | $90,277 | $19,500* | 0.33 | |
| $63,870 | $58,047* | $68,144 | $25,000* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Hartwick College, approximately 35% 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 22 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.