Analysis
Similar math programs in Maryland typically produce first-year earnings around $56,000, which would place McDaniel's program right in line with solid state performers like Towson University—well above the national median of $49,000. With estimated debt of $21,750, graduates would be looking at a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning they'd owe less than 40% of their first year's salary. That's a comfortable position for starting a career in mathematics.
The challenge is that we're working with estimates here because McDaniel's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish. While peer programs in Maryland suggest healthy outcomes, there's meaningful variation even among state schools—graduates from Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland-College Park earn substantially more, while Salisbury trails the median by several thousand dollars. Where McDaniel actually falls in that range matters for career trajectory and debt payoff speed.
For families, the math works on paper: comparable Maryland programs show strong earnings relative to borrowing levels. But without knowing whether McDaniel's actual graduates lean toward the higher-earning analytics and tech roles or lower-paying teaching positions, you're making this decision somewhat blind. If your child is serious about the field and McDaniel offers the research opportunities or faculty mentorship they need, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—just know you're betting on averages rather than this school's track record.
Where McDaniel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,647 | $56,443* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $63,340 | $83,171* | $117,066 | $10,859* | 0.13 | |
| $11,505 | $79,129* | $91,552 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $11,306 | $56,443* | $73,315 | $25,000* | 0.44 | |
| $12,952 | $54,362* | $74,668 | $16,875* | 0.31 | |
| $10,638 | $49,125* | $61,089 | $23,250* | 0.47 | |
| 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 McDaniel College, 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 5 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.