Mathematics at Marian University

A debt load of $27,000 might seem manageable for a mathematics degree, but the estimated first-year earnings of around $50,000—based on comparable Wisconsin programs—tell only part of the story. Mathematics bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate work or specialized roles that develop over time, and Marian's program appears positioned at the middle of Wisconsin's range. With UW-Madison math graduates earning nearly $68,000 and several other state programs clustering in the low $50,000s, these estimates suggest Marian's outcomes may lag behind larger university networks but align with typical state performance.

The 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio looks reasonable on paper, though the $27,000 debt figure sits above both the state median ($23,642) and national median ($21,500) for math programs. For a school where a third of students receive Pell grants, that extra debt burden matters—it's roughly half a year's salary that could otherwise fund graduate school applications, certification programs, or simply living expenses while searching for the right position. Mathematics careers vary enormously depending on whether graduates pursue teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, or advanced degrees, and starting salaries don't always predict long-term value.

Given that both figures here are estimates from peer programs rather than Marian's actual graduate outcomes, prospective families should request placement data directly from the department—where do recent graduates actually land, and what professional networks does the program provide? In a field where institutional connections and graduate school pathways often matter as much as the bachelor's degree itself, understanding those specifics becomes essential.