Analysis
Mathematics programs in North Carolina show dramatic variation, with Duke's graduates earning triple what peer programs typically produce. For Lenoir-Rhyne's program, comparable North Carolina programs suggest first-year earnings around $40,888—placing it squarely at the state median but roughly $8,000 below the national benchmark for math bachelor's degrees.
The estimated $21,750 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, which represents a manageable six-month payback period under standard calculations. This is solidly investment-grade territory, particularly for a field where earnings typically grow as graduates move into data science, actuarial work, or teaching roles. Given that 40% of Lenoir-Rhyne students receive Pell grants, keeping debt at this level matters for accessibility.
The challenge is that these figures—both earnings and debt—are estimates drawn from similar programs rather than tracked outcomes from Lenoir-Rhyne graduates specifically. The small graduate cohort means we can't know whether this program performs better or worse than the state average. What we do know is that North Carolina's math programs cluster around $41-43K for public universities, suggesting the estimated earnings figure is reasonable for the state's market. If the actual outcomes fall anywhere near the state median, the debt load remains workable.
Where Lenoir-Rhyne University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityHickory | $30,900 | $40,888* | — | $21,750* | — |
 Duke UniversityDurham | $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $53,402* | $87,301 | $14,500* | 0.27 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $43,585* | — | $21,256* | 0.49 |
 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte | $7,214 | $42,740* | $57,150 | $25,000* | 0.58 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $40,888* | $50,943 | $21,500* | 0.53 |
| 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University, approximately 40% 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 9 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.