Analysis
Similar mathematics programs across Indiana suggest this degree produces middle-of-the-pack outcomes for the state, with first-year earnings around $58,764—competitive with IU-Bloomington but well behind elite programs like Rose-Hulman or Notre Dame. At an estimated $22,000 in debt, the 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio falls in comfortable territory, though these figures come from peer programs rather than IU-Northwest's specific graduates.
What makes this estimate somewhat reliable is that Indiana's mathematics programs cluster tightly around this earnings level, with the state median matching what IU-East reports. The estimated debt load also aligns closely with the national benchmark of $21,500, suggesting typical borrowing patterns for bachelor's-level math students. For a regional campus serving a high proportion of Pell Grant students (43%), these projected economics look reasonable—not the premium outcomes you'd expect from flagship programs, but a manageable financial proposition for a solid STEM degree.
The challenge is knowing whether IU-Northwest's program specifically delivers on these estimates, given the small graduate cohorts that led to data suppression. If your student can achieve these peer-program outcomes while staying near the estimated debt level, they'd be positioned comparably to graduates from similar Indiana math programs—a workable foundation for careers in teaching, analytics, or graduate study without overwhelming debt.
Where Indiana University-Northwest Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,179 | $58,764* | — | $22,000* | — | |
| $56,674 | $85,977* | $96,973 | $25,000* | 0.29 | |
| $62,693 | $65,302* | $87,725 | $19,000* | 0.29 | |
| $11,790 | $59,277* | $74,190 | $22,000* | 0.37 | |
| $8,179 | $58,764* | $55,844 | $22,388* | 0.38 | |
| $9,992 | $49,387* | — | $18,820* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Indiana University-Northwest, approximately 43% 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 7 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.