Mathematics at Kenyon College

A mathematics degree from Kenyon is selective—with a 31% admission rate and 1440 average SAT—but similar Ohio programs suggest first-year earnings around $49,000, nearly identical to both state and national medians for the field. At an estimated $22,625 in debt, the ratio of 0.46 falls safely within manageable territory, especially compared to liberal arts degrees that often push closer to 1.0 or beyond. However, Kent State and Ohio State mathematics graduates report breaking $52,000-$54,000 in their first year, suggesting stronger immediate returns elsewhere in the state.

The caveat here is real: these are estimates based on peer programs, not tracked outcomes from Kenyon's own graduates. The school's small math cohorts mean the Department of Education can't publish specific data without compromising privacy. What we do know is that mathematics degrees generally perform well financially, and Kenyon's selectivity suggests strong post-graduation networks and graduate school placement—outcomes that don't show up in first-year earnings but matter long-term.

The practical takeaway: if your child thrives in a small, rigorous liberal arts environment and plans to pursue graduate work or fields where Kenyon's name carries weight, the modest estimated debt is unlikely to become a burden. But if maximizing immediate earning potential is the priority, larger public universities in Ohio appear to deliver stronger early outcomes in mathematics.