Analysis
Missouri math programs show a wide spread in first-year outcomes—from Washington University's nearly $80,000 to less than $32,000 at UM-St. Louis. Based on comparable programs across the state, Lindenwood graduates likely earn around $52,160 in their first year, placing them solidly in the middle of this pack and slightly above the national median for math degrees. The estimated $21,750 in debt sits near typical levels for bachelor's programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42.
What makes interpretation challenging here is that we're working entirely with estimates—the actual graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. The state median represents just four programs, meaning Lindenwood's actual performance could deviate significantly in either direction. That said, math degrees generally offer steady employment prospects, and starting around $52,000 provides reasonable room to handle the estimated debt load.
For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether Lindenwood offers something specific—smaller classes, particular faculty expertise, location advantages—that Missouri State or UM-Columbia don't provide at similar or better estimated returns. Without concrete data on this program's actual graduates, you're banking on it performing like its state peers, which is plausible but not guaranteed.
Where Lindenwood University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,100 | $52,160* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 | |
| $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 | |
| $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 | |
| 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 Lindenwood University, approximately 29% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.