Mathematics at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's mathematics program produces graduates earning $45,184 initially—below both the Tennessee median ($51,247) and national average for math degrees. At the 40th percentile statewide, this places MTSU in the bottom half of Tennessee math programs, trailing not just elite Vanderbilt but also public competitors like University of Memphis by over $12,000. The good news? Four-year earnings climb to $52,689, showing solid 17% growth that brings graduates closer to competitive territory.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $18,750, borrowing matches the Tennessee median and sits comfortably below the national benchmark of $21,500. With a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can reasonably expect to manage repayment, though the lower starting salary means the first few years will feel tighter than for peers at higher-earning programs.

One critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers somewhat unstable. A few high or low earners can skew the entire picture. For families seeking a manageable in-state option for math, MTSU delivers reasonable debt and eventual earnings growth. But if teaching secondary math or pursuing graduate school aren't the plan, exploring why this program underperforms other Tennessee publics would be wise—career services, geographic location of graduates, or industry connections could all play a role in these below-median outcomes.