Mathematics at Lee University

Based on comparable Tennessee mathematics programs, Lee University's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $51,000—right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $48,772. The estimated $21,750 in debt produces a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their annual salary. This falls within the reasonable range for STEM credentials, though it's worth noting the debt figure comes from Lee's overall institutional patterns rather than this specific cohort.

What's striking is the variability across Tennessee mathematics programs. Vanderbilt doubles the typical starting salary, while UT-Knoxville's graduates—despite the flagship's reputation—start around $39,000. This suggests that for mathematics degrees, institutional prestige doesn't guarantee superior early outcomes. Lee's estimated position in the middle of the pack, combined with its 72% admission rate and moderate selectivity, indicates a straightforward path to a credential that should support itself financially.

The debt load is modest enough that even if actual outcomes fall somewhat short of peer program estimates, graduates should be able to service their loans on a mathematics-related salary. For a family evaluating Lee specifically, the key unknown is whether this program's actual outcomes align with similar Tennessee schools or trend lower—information that won't be available until the graduate pool grows large enough for the Department of Education to publish.