Applied Mathematics at Loyola University New Orleans

A $25,000 debt burden against first-year earnings around $61,000—based on what comparable applied mathematics programs nationwide typically produce—translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42. That's well within the range most financial advisors consider sustainable, with monthly loan payments consuming roughly 7% of pre-tax income under standard repayment plans.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only two Louisiana schools offering this major and no reported outcomes data from either, we're working entirely from national patterns. Applied mathematics programs vary significantly in quality and market positioning, from highly quantitative training that feeds into data science and actuarial roles to more general offerings. Loyola's 88% admission rate and private liberal arts environment suggest a different student experience than you'd find at a large state research university, which could affect both the rigor of the program and employer perceptions.

The national median of $61,000 for applied math bachelor's holders is solid—substantially above the typical starting salary for liberal arts majors—but whether Loyola's specific program delivers those outcomes remains an open question. If your child is genuinely interested in mathematical problem-solving and can verify that Loyola's curriculum includes programming, statistical software, and practical modeling work, the estimated debt load makes this a reasonable bet. But given the lack of school-specific data, talking to recent alumni about their job search experiences would be essential due diligence.