Mathematics at Kansas State University

Kansas State's mathematics program generates starting salaries about $6,000 below the national median and $3,000 below Kansas' state average—landing at the 40th percentile among Kansas math programs. While the University of Kansas math grads earn nearly $6,000 more their first year, K-State's debt load comes in $3,000 lighter than the typical Kansas math program, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. This means students borrow roughly half of their first-year salary, which should be repayable within a reasonable timeframe.

The tradeoff here is straightforward: lower initial earnings but also lower debt. For a math major, first-year salary matters less than trajectory—many pursue graduate degrees or enter fields where credentials compound over time. The modest debt burden preserves flexibility for graduate school or lower-paying entry positions that lead somewhere valuable.

The biggest caveat is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which means these figures could shift significantly with just a few different outcomes. If your student is math-inclined and considering K-State for other reasons—location, cost, campus fit—this program won't saddle them with problematic debt. But if maximizing immediate earning potential is the priority, Kansas' flagship university shows measurably stronger returns.