Mathematics at Marist University

A debt load of roughly $22,000 against first-year earnings around $46,000 represents a manageable financial picture for a math degree, though these figures come from comparable programs across New York rather than Marist's own graduates. The 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within most financial advisors' recommended threshold, meaning your student would likely face reasonable monthly payments relative to their income.

What's harder to assess is where Marist sits within New York's math landscape. The state's top programs—Cornell, RPI, Fordham—produce significantly higher earnings, with Cornell grads earning nearly double the state median. Whether Marist performs closer to this elite tier or tracks with the state average matters considerably for career outcomes, but without school-specific data, that question remains unanswerable. The university's 1285 average SAT and 65% admission rate suggest a solid regional institution, though not one competing directly with New York's research powerhouses.

The practical reality: mathematics degrees generally lead to employable skills, and the estimated debt burden appears reasonable. But you're making this investment somewhat blind—you won't know whether Marist's particular combination of curriculum, career services, and alumni network produces outcomes above or below the state's $46,000 median until after your child graduates. Talk directly with recent Marist math graduates about their job placement experiences before committing.