Analysis
A bachelor's in mathematics from Kalamazoo College comes with estimated debt of $21,750—actually below the national median and notably lower than the $25,125 typical for Michigan math programs. The estimated first-year earnings of $47,951, derived from just three reporting Michigan programs, align almost exactly with both the state and national medians. This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.45, a manageable starting point that suggests graduates can reasonably handle their debt service while building toward the stronger mid-career earnings that math degrees typically deliver.
The challenge here is the limited data. With only three Michigan programs reporting earnings figures, we're working with a narrow view of what Kalamazoo's graduates actually achieve. What we do know is that Michigan's math programs vary dramatically—from Michigan State's $47,951 to Ann Arbor's $80,676—and where Kalamazoo fits within that range remains uncertain. The college's solid 1270 average SAT score suggests it attracts capable students, but whether those students land the higher-paying analytics, actuarial, or tech positions that drive mathematics salaries up, or settle into teaching and other moderate-earning roles, we simply can't confirm.
For families evaluating this investment, the debt load looks reasonable and the state benchmark earnings are respectable. But without program-specific outcomes, you're betting on Kalamazoo's general reputation rather than proven track record in mathematics placement—a distinction worth understanding before committing.
Where Kalamazoo College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,764 | $47,951* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $17,228 | $80,676* | $97,139 | $21,589* | 0.27 | |
| $15,988 | $47,951* | $54,324 | $21,500* | 0.45 | |
| $14,628 | $45,349* | $46,279 | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Kalamazoo College, approximately 23% 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 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.