Analysis
What's striking about a mathematics bachelor's degree where similar programs suggest just under $50,000 in first-year earnings is the stark divide in Texas itself. While peer programs across the state typically produce these outcomes—matching both state and national medians—the top mathematics programs in Texas launch graduates into much stronger starting positions, with UT Austin at $60,000 and SMU at $74,500. That $10,000 to $25,000 gap in first-year earnings represents real money when you're carrying debt.
The estimated debt load of $21,750 aligns with national norms and creates a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable programs. Mathematics degrees generally offer solid fundamentals: quantitative skills translate across industries, and the credential opens doors in finance, tech, education, and analytics. For a school serving 62% Pell-eligible students, access matters. But the earnings estimates suggest this path produces middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a state where stronger mathematics programs deliver substantially higher returns.
The practical question: will your student leverage this degree into graduate school, which could level the playing field, or head straight into the workforce? If it's the latter, understand that comparable programs suggest starting salaries that lag significantly behind Texas's top-tier universities. The debt is reasonable, but the opportunity cost is real when better-resourced programs down the road in Austin produce 20% higher earnings right out of the gate.
Where Huston-Tillotson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Huston-Tillotson UniversityAustin | $14,703 | $49,708* | — | $21,750* | — |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $74,516* | $79,735 | $21,000* | 0.28 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $60,011* | $75,618 | $20,500* | 0.34 |
 The University of Texas at DallasRichardson | $14,564 | $58,238* | — | $19,745* | 0.34 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $54,710* | $57,873 | $20,100* | 0.37 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $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 Huston-Tillotson University, approximately 62% 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.