Mathematics at Indiana University-South Bend

Based on comparable mathematics programs across Indiana, first-year earnings of $58,764 against estimated debt of $22,000 suggests a manageable financial picture for this degree. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates would typically owe less than five months of their first-year salary—a comfortable margin by any standard. What's particularly striking is how these estimated figures align with the state median exactly, suggesting IU-South Bend's outcomes likely track with the typical Indiana math graduate experience.

The numbers tell an interesting regional story. While elite programs like Rose-Hulman and Notre Dame pull significantly higher earnings, IU-South Bend's estimates match what Indiana University-Bloomington—the flagship campus—actually reports, and exceed Purdue's reported outcomes by nearly $10,000. For a campus serving a substantial number of Pell-eligible students (41%), producing earnings estimates at the state median represents solid value. Mathematics degrees tend to deliver consistent returns regardless of institutional prestige, as the skill set translates readily into business, analytics, and education careers.

The key limitation here is that we're working entirely from peer program data—South Bend's actual graduate outcomes remain unpublished due to small cohort sizes. If your child thrives at smaller campuses and wants to stay in the Midwest, these estimates suggest the investment should work financially. Just recognize you're betting on South Bend matching what other Indiana math programs deliver, not on proven track record at this specific campus.