Analysis
Similar mathematics programs in Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings around $48,800, which matches the national median almost exactly—suggesting solid but unspectacular career prospects. What's less reassuring is that King's College students pursuing this degree are estimated to carry about $26,000 in debt, slightly above both the national and state medians for math majors. At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates would need to dedicate roughly half their first-year income to debt repayment, assuming standard loan terms.
The context matters here. Pennsylvania's math programs show enormous variation in outcomes—Villanova and Swarthmore graduates earn 50% more in their first year than the state median, while Temple and Duquesne cluster closer to what King's College likely delivers. With a 93% admission rate and average SAT of 1150, King's serves students who might not gain admission to the state's most selective programs, yet faces competition from larger public universities that could offer similar career outcomes with potentially less debt.
For families weighing this investment, the fundamental question is whether a bachelor's in mathematics from King's College justifies roughly $26,000 in debt when comparable state programs produce similar earnings. The estimated figures suggest adequate but not exceptional returns—enough to service the debt, but without much cushion for unexpected expenses or delayed career launch.
Where King's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 King's CollegeWilkes-Barre | $42,600 | $48,800* | — | $25,990* | — |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $75,481* | $84,324 | $25,454* | 0.34 |
 Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore | $62,412 | $72,656* | — | —* | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $70,313* | $81,966 | $30,899* | 0.44 |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $59,167* | $54,614 | $22,500* | 0.38 |
 Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh | $47,146 | $49,314* | $62,639 | $26,940* | 0.55 |
| 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 King's College, approximately 27% 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 12 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.