Applied Mathematics at Hillsdale College

A $60,930 starting salary—typical for applied math programs nationally—coupled with an estimated $25,421 in debt creates a manageable first-year burden for this Hillsdale program. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within reasonable parameters, though it's worth noting both figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than this specific program's track record. The debt estimate comes from similar programs at private liberal arts colleges, while the earnings figure reflects the national median for applied mathematics bachelor's degrees.

The bigger question is whether Hillsdale's distinctive academic environment justifies choosing it over Michigan's other nine applied math programs, several at large public universities that likely carry lower price tags. With a 21% admission rate and zero Pell Grant recipients, you're looking at an institution serving a particular demographic. Applied mathematics typically offers solid career flexibility—financial services, tech, consulting—and the national 75th percentile of $71,670 suggests strong performers can quickly exceed that baseline $60,930.

The lack of program-specific data means you can't verify whether Hillsdale's particular approach delivers on these projections. If your child has admission offers with actual reported outcomes, those provide more concrete ground for comparison. The estimated numbers here suggest reasonable value, but you're making that judgment without seeing how this program's graduates actually fare.