Mathematics at Hood College

Math graduates in Maryland typically start around $56,000—a solid figure that puts Hood's estimated earnings right at the state median and well above the national benchmark of $49,000. With estimated debt of $22,000, the financial setup appears manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. For context, similar bachelor's programs nationally carry median debt of $21,500, so Hood's estimated burden tracks closely with the norm.

The real question is where this program positions graduates within Maryland's competitive landscape. The top earners—Hopkins and Maryland-College Park—command starting salaries above $79,000, nearly 40% higher than the state median Hood appears to match. That gap matters if your child is considering research-heavy or technical math careers where institutional prestige opens doors. However, the estimated earnings here still beat the national average by 15%, suggesting Maryland's job market rewards math degrees generally, not just those from flagship universities.

Given Hood's 78% admission rate and the fact that more than a third of students receive Pell grants, this program likely serves students who might not access Maryland's most selective schools. If the estimates hold true, the debt load is reasonable enough to repay within a few years, particularly if your child pursues actuarial work, data analysis, or teaching—fields where starting salaries in the mid-50s are common. The caveat: these are peer-program projections, not Hood's verified outcomes, so ask the school directly about job placement and typical career paths.