Analysis
A debt load of $27,000 might seem reasonable for a math degree, but when you're working with estimates rather than actual graduate outcomes, the calculation becomes cloudier. Based on comparable Wisconsin programs, a Maranatha math graduate would likely earn around $50,000 in their first year—positioning them right at the state median but roughly $15,000 behind what UW-Madison math graduates report. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 falls within workable territory, though that $27,000 figure is drawn from just three similar private programs in Wisconsin, making it a thin baseline.
What matters most here is recognizing the unknown. Mathematics degrees typically lead to stable career paths, and the estimated earnings align with both state and national benchmarks for the field. But Maranatha's small cohorts mean the Department of Education can't report actual outcomes—you're essentially betting on peer program performance rather than this school's track record. For a student committed to Maranatha for religious or cultural reasons, these estimates suggest the financial risk isn't extreme. For families shopping primarily on outcomes, you'd want stronger evidence that graduates from this specific program are landing the jobs these projections assume.
Where Maranatha Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Maranatha Baptist UniversityWatertown | $20,280 | $50,285* | — | $27,000* | — |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $67,744* | $83,357 | $20,500* | 0.30 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $56,284* | $71,400 | $27,000* | 0.48 |
 Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere | $44,432 | $52,644* | — | $27,000* | 0.51 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $52,593* | $60,583 | $27,000* | 0.51 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $50,285* | $53,677 | $22,248* | 0.44 |
| 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 Maranatha Baptist University, approximately 34% 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 9 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.