Mathematics at Linfield University

Oregon's mathematics programs produce starting salaries that lag the national median by about $7,500, and Linfield's estimated outcomes place it right at this state average of roughly $41,300. While the estimated debt load of $21,750 seems manageable at first glance—producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—the comparison to other Oregon programs reveals the challenge: Oregon State graduates with reported data start around $45,000, while University of Oregon shows just $25,000. This wide variation within the state makes it difficult to predict where Linfield's actual graduates land.

The mathematics market in Oregon appears softer than nationally, which matters when you're borrowing $22,000 for a degree. Similar programs across the country typically yield first-year earnings close to $49,000, suggesting either that Oregon's job market for math graduates is less robust or that these programs channel students toward lower-paying roles like secondary teaching rather than actuarial, data science, or tech positions that command higher salaries.

Before committing, dig into where Linfield's math graduates actually end up working. If they're primarily entering teaching, that $41,000 estimate makes sense but means loan repayment will be a years-long reality. If graduates are successfully moving into tech or analytics roles in Portland, actual outcomes might exceed these estimates. The key is understanding whether Linfield's specific career placement aligns with the higher or lower end of Oregon's wide outcome range.