Analysis
Kentucky's mathematics bachelor's programs show dramatic variation—from under $25,000 to nearly $40,000 in first-year earnings—making program selection critical. Kentucky Wesleyan's estimated outcomes suggest alignment with national norms rather than the state's lower median. Based on comparable mathematics programs nationwide, graduates might expect around $49,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $22,000 in debt, yielding a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow for comfortable repayment.
The more challenging question is whether these national-level estimates reflect reality at a smaller institution where 42% of students receive Pell grants and the median SAT sits just above 1000. Mathematics degrees typically open doors to teaching, actuarial work, or data analysis—fields where employer recognition and alumni networks matter significantly. Without actual outcome data from Kentucky Wesleyan's math graduates, it's impossible to know whether their trajectory follows higher-performing programs like UK or struggles closer to the state's lower benchmarks.
The estimated numbers suggest financial viability, but the complete absence of reported data should prompt direct questions to the admissions office: Where do math graduates actually land jobs? What percentage pursue graduate school? Can they connect you with recent alumni? The difference between $49,000 and $24,000 in starting salary is substantial enough that verification matters before committing.
Where Kentucky Wesleyan College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,393 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $13,212 | $39,211* | $55,698 | $22,500* | 0.57 | |
| $9,838 | $24,257* | $39,949 | $24,218* | 1.00 | |
| 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 Kentucky Wesleyan College, approximately 42% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.