Analysis
A bachelor's in mathematics from Houston Christian University appears positioned right in the middle of Texas outcomes, with similar programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $49,700. That's nearly identical to the national median for math degrees, though well below what graduates from UT Austin ($60,000) or SMU ($74,500) typically command in their first year.
The estimated $21,750 in debt produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44—meaning roughly five months of gross income to cover the total loan balance. This aligns closely with both state and national debt benchmarks for math programs. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (54%), keeping debt near the median while maintaining typical earnings suggests reasonable cost management, though families should verify actual aid packages rather than assume these averages apply.
The real consideration here is career trajectory. Mathematics degrees generally offer solid long-term earning potential, particularly for graduates who pursue actuarial work, data analysis, or graduate study. The modest first-year figure reflects entry-level positioning, not the field's ceiling. If your child is drawn to HCU's environment and plans to leverage the degree strategically—whether through internships, networking, or graduate school—the financial foundation appears workable. But if maximizing immediate earning power matters most, the state's flagship programs show meaningfully higher outcomes.
Where Houston Christian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,100 | $49,708* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $64,460 | $74,516* | $79,735 | $21,000* | 0.28 | |
| $11,678 | $60,011* | $75,618 | $20,500* | 0.34 | |
| $14,564 | $58,238* | — | $19,745* | 0.34 | |
| $9,711 | $54,710* | $57,873 | $20,100* | 0.37 | |
| $11,164 | $53,133* | $54,367 | $23,689* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Houston Christian University, approximately 54% 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 21 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.