Mathematics at Kean University

Kean University's mathematics program starts graduates at $40,235—trailing both the New Jersey state median ($50,810) and the national median ($48,772) by significant margins. Among the 26 New Jersey schools offering math degrees, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings. To put that in perspective, graduates from Rutgers or NJIT with the same degree earn roughly 35-60% more in their first year. The $27,000 debt load, while relatively modest, still represents two-thirds of that first year's income.

The 43% earnings growth to $57,407 by year four offers some reassurance—graduates do see meaningful salary progression. And that low debt figure matters, especially for a university where 46% of students receive Pell grants. For families who can't afford private universities or out-of-state Rutgers tuition, Kean provides an accessible path to a math degree without crushing debt.

However, parents should recognize the earnings gap is real and persistent. Even after four years, Kean math graduates earn less than what NJIT or Rutgers graduates make in year one. If your child has the academic profile for admission elsewhere (Kean's 77% acceptance rate suggests less selectivity), the long-term income difference could easily outweigh any tuition savings, particularly for careers in data science, actuarial work, or quantitative finance where starting salary matters enormously.