Analysis
A typical Texas math bachelor's program yields first-year earnings around $49,700 with about $19,300 in debt—figures that align closely with what Lamar graduates likely experience, given the university's profile and location in Southeast Texas. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: monthly payments would consume roughly 4% of gross income under standard plans, leaving room for other financial priorities.
The challenge isn't the debt load but the earning potential. Similar programs across Texas show considerable variation, from $53,000 at University of North Texas to $74,500 at SMU. Lamar serves a different population than these comparison schools—44% of students receive Pell grants—but the math degree itself should provide portable skills. Whether graduates pursue teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, or graduate study will matter more than the school name for most math majors.
For families considering Lamar, the math program appears financially sound based on peer outcomes, though not exceptional. The real question is whether your student will leverage the degree effectively. Texas's robust job market for quantitative skills suggests opportunity, but first-year earnings in the high $40Ks require strategic planning around career paths that value mathematical training.
Where Lamar University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lamar UniversityBeaumont | $8,690 | $49,708* | — | $19,333* | — |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $74,516* | $79,735 | $21,000* | 0.28 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $60,011* | $75,618 | $20,500* | 0.34 |
 The University of Texas at DallasRichardson | $14,564 | $58,238* | — | $19,745* | 0.34 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $54,710* | $57,873 | $20,100* | 0.37 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $53,133* | $54,367 | $23,689* | 0.45 |
| 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 Lamar University, approximately 44% 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 21 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.