Mathematics at Hendrix College

A debt load of $21,750—higher than most Arkansas math programs—positions Hendrix graduates in difficult territory when stacked against estimated first-year earnings around $41,000. Peer programs in the state typically saddle students with closer to $16,700 in debt, meaning Hendrix grads face an extra $5,000 burden despite landing at similar salary levels as those from the University of Arkansas or University of Central Arkansas.

The national picture compounds the concern. Mathematics bachelor's programs nationwide produce median earnings near $48,800—roughly $8,000 more than what comparable Arkansas programs suggest for Hendrix graduates. That gap matters when you're carrying above-average debt, as the extra financial breathing room that math majors typically enjoy elsewhere simply doesn't materialize here. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 isn't catastrophic, but it's less favorable than what you'd want for a quantitative field known for solid entry-level prospects.

For a family evaluating Hendrix's math program, these estimates suggest questioning whether the school's liberal arts environment justifies the premium. If your student can secure substantial merit aid to bring that debt figure down, or if they're planning graduate school where Hendrix's academic rigor might provide advantage, the calculation shifts. Otherwise, comparable programs in Arkansas appear to offer better financial positioning right out of the gate.