Mathematics at Judson University

Similar mathematics programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $53,000 for bachelor's degree holders—a figure that sits right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $49,000. Judson's estimated debt load of $17,000 is notably lower than both the state median ($20,600) and national median ($21,500) for math programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 that works strongly in graduates' favor.

That relatively modest debt matters more than you might think. While elite Illinois programs like University of Chicago and Northwestern produce significantly higher starting salaries, they typically come with steeper price tags. For a mathematics degree—which opens doors to teaching, data analysis, actuarial work, and graduate study—starting your career with manageable debt preserves flexibility. The math says you could reasonably pay off that estimated $17,000 within two to three years of aggressive repayment.

The caveat: these figures come from peer programs across Illinois, not Judson's specific outcomes. With 40% of students on Pell grants and a mid-range admission profile, your child's actual results will depend heavily on what they do with the degree—whether they pursue graduate study, move into high-demand fields like data science, or enter teaching. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial positioning, but verify current graduate outcomes directly with the school before committing.