Mathematics at Illinois State University

Illinois State's mathematics program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally (66th percentile) and within Illinois (60th percentile)—making it a reasonable but unremarkable choice for aspiring math majors. Graduates earn $52,597 in their first year, which outpaces the national median by nearly $4,000 and matches the state median exactly. The debt load of $20,309 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that suggests graduates can handle their loans without undue strain.

What's less impressive is the earnings trajectory: four years out, graduates earn $56,681, representing just 8% growth. While this isn't a decline, it's modest progression compared to what you'd hope for in a STEM field. For context, the elite Illinois programs—University of Chicago and Northwestern—deliver nearly double these earnings, though they also come with significantly higher admission standards. Illinois State's 89% acceptance rate and accessible profile mean your child can enter with less competitive credentials, but they'll likely need graduate education or specialized skills to reach higher income tiers.

The bottom line: this program offers solid fundamentals at a fair price, particularly for students who aren't competitive for top-tier schools. It won't lead to standout earnings on a bachelor's degree alone, but with manageable debt and middle-of-the-road outcomes, it provides a stable foundation for students planning to pursue teaching, actuarial work, or further education.