Mathematics at Hollins University

With estimated first-year earnings around $57,000 and debt of roughly $22,000, comparable mathematics programs in Virginia suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning graduates typically carry debt equal to about five months of salary. That's manageable by most standards, though the lack of actual outcome data for Hollins' specific program means families are making decisions based on peer performance rather than this institution's track record.

The earnings estimate positions this program right at Virginia's median for mathematics bachelor's degrees, though noticeably behind state flagships like UVA and William & Mary (both around $61,000). What you're paying for at a smaller liberal arts college like Hollins—close faculty relationships, personalized attention—may matter more for some students' long-term success than the immediate salary difference, but quantifying that value is difficult when you're working from estimated rather than reported outcomes.

The core math is reasonable: graduating with debt equal to roughly a third of your first year's salary is a solid financial position. However, the absence of actual data means you can't verify whether Hollins' mathematics program specifically delivers these outcomes. If choosing this program, do so based on fit and educational quality rather than purely financial projections, and recognize you're betting on the school performing similarly to other Virginia math programs despite operating at a different scale and mission.