Applied Mathematics at Maryville University of Saint Louis

With estimated first-year earnings around $61,000 and debt near $25,400, this program suggests a manageable financial picture—though it's worth noting these figures come from national peer programs rather than Maryville's specific outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary, a reasonable burden for a STEM degree.

What complicates the assessment is Missouri's state benchmark of just $36,756 for applied mathematics programs. That's a steep drop from national norms, and whether Maryville's program tracks closer to national or state patterns matters enormously. The one Missouri school with reported data—Missouri S&T—shows earnings at that lower state level, suggesting geography and employer networks may significantly impact outcomes for math graduates staying in the region.

For families considering this program, the uncertainty cuts both ways. If Maryville's placement trends national, the investment looks solid. If it mirrors Missouri's lower earnings profile while carrying higher debt, the math becomes considerably tighter. Given the school's 94% admission rate and the lack of actual graduate data, finding recent alumni to discuss their job placements would be particularly valuable here. The program's financial viability likely hinges on whether graduates can access positions outside Missouri's more limited market for applied mathematicians.