Analysis
North Carolina's mathematics programs cluster in the low-to-mid $40s for first-year earnings, and comparable programs suggest High Point falls right in that range—around $40,888 annually. With an estimated $21,750 in debt, that's roughly six months of gross pay, a manageable burden if earnings grow predictably. The challenge is that this estimated starting salary lags the national bachelor's mathematics median by nearly $8,000, raising questions about whether High Point's career services or regional employer networks match what larger research universities provide.
The gap between High Point's peer-derived estimate and top NC programs is stark: Duke mathematics graduates earn three times as much, while even NC State and UNC-Charlotte graduates start $3,000-$13,000 higher. Mathematics degrees typically open doors to actuarial work, data analysis, or software development—fields where institutional reputation and alumni networks matter significantly. If your child plans to stay in North Carolina and target those competitive roles, consider whether High Point's smaller program (hence the suppressed data) offers sufficient recruiting access or graduate school preparation compared to state flagships.
The debt load won't sink your family financially, but the earnings estimate suggests modest returns unless your child leverages the degree strategically—pursuing graduate work, certifications like actuarial exams, or pivoting into high-demand tech roles. Ask High Point directly about recent graduate outcomes, employer partnerships, and grad school placement rates to verify whether their small cohort performs better than the state average these estimates reflect.
Where High Point University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,208 | $40,888* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 | |
| $8,989 | $53,402* | $87,301 | $14,500* | 0.27 | |
| $8,895 | $43,585* | — | $21,256* | 0.49 | |
| $7,214 | $42,740* | $57,150 | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| $7,361 | $40,888* | $50,943 | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| 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 High Point University, approximately 11% 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 9 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.