Analysis
A mathematics degree with $21,750 in debt against $48,772 in estimated first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio—about half what you'd carry in salary. That suggests a reasonable financial foundation, though peer programs across Nebraska typically show stronger starting salaries around $51,000, and University of Nebraska-Omaha graduates land closer to $59,000 right out of the gate. The gap matters if you're comparing options within the state.
What's harder to assess here is trajectory. Mathematics degrees often open doors to roles in data analysis, actuarial work, or secondary teaching, where earnings can climb substantially with the right certifications or graduate work. The estimated figures—drawn from national medians since Midland's graduate cohort is too small to report separately—tell us what's typical across similar programs but can't capture what specific employers in Omaha or Lincoln are paying Midland graduates, or whether the university's career placement network delivers comparable outcomes.
If your child is set on Midland for reasons beyond the numbers—location, fit, financial aid package—the debt load won't likely become crushing. But if you're choosing purely on return-on-investment and have access to Nebraska's public universities at similar cost, those reported outcomes suggest stronger earning potential from day one.
Where Midland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,270 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $8,370 | $58,995* | — | $26,069* | 0.44 | |
| $10,108 | $43,225* | $63,798 | $19,261* | 0.45 | |
| 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 Midland University, approximately 28% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.