Mathematics at Loyola University Chicago

A first-year salary around $53,000 combined with roughly $17,000 in debt creates a manageable financial starting point for a Loyola Chicago mathematics graduate. Based on comparable programs across Illinois, this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means students would owe about a third of their first-year income—well within the range where federal loan payments remain affordable on a typical entry-level salary. Mathematics majors in Illinois generally cluster in the low-to-mid $50,000s for starting pay, putting this estimate right in line with the state median.

What these peer-program figures can't tell you is whether Loyola's specific combination of smaller class sizes, Chicago-area employer connections, and a curriculum emphasizing applied mathematics produces outcomes different from the state average. The wide gap between top Illinois programs (University of Chicago and Northwestern both exceed $75,000) and the median suggests that institutional reputation and career support services matter considerably in this field. Loyola's 81% admission rate and solid SAT averages position it as accessible but selective enough to attract capable students.

For families comfortable with moderate debt and confident their student will pursue mathematics-related employment—not just complete the degree—this estimated profile suggests reasonable value. The risk lies in the uncertainty: if Loyola's actual outcomes fall below the state median, that debt becomes harder to manage; if they match or exceed nearby DePaul's reported $55,586, you're looking at an even stronger investment.