Mathematics at Loras College

A mathematics bachelor's degree from Loras College appears positioned in the middle of Iowa's range, with peer programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $51,400—above the national median for math programs but trailing what University of Iowa graduates report by nearly $10,000. The estimated debt of $21,750 creates a manageable 0.42 ratio to those first-year earnings, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically owe less than half their annual salary. This debt level aligns closely with both state and national norms for math degrees.

The real question is whether a smaller private college delivers enough value to compete with Iowa's public universities. Similar programs in Iowa show significant variation, from $60,600 at Iowa down to $42,700 at Northern Iowa. Where Loras fits within that spectrum depends on factors that small-sample suppression prevents us from seeing directly: the strength of its placement network, quality of instruction, and specific career paths graduates pursue. Math degrees can lead to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, or graduate school—each with vastly different earning trajectories.

Given the data limitations, families should look beyond these estimates to concrete outcomes: where recent graduates actually landed jobs, what companies recruit on campus, and how the program supports career placement. The debt burden seems reasonable if the degree leads to solid employment, but without verified outcomes specific to Loras, you're making an informed guess rather than a data-backed decision.