Applied Mathematics at Millsaps College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable student loans—peer programs nationally indicate graduates earning around $60,930 in their first year would carry roughly $25,400 in debt, meaning monthly payments that shouldn't overwhelm early-career budgets. Applied mathematics programs typically offer solid financial returns, and these estimated figures align with the national median, which is encouraging for a smaller liberal arts college. The challenge is that with only 49% of applicants admitted and 36% of students receiving Pell grants, Millsaps is selective enough that outcomes could vary significantly from these national averages.

What makes this estimate particularly uncertain is the lack of Mississippi comparison data—with only three programs statewide and none reporting outcomes publicly, there's no way to gauge how regional labor markets might affect these projections. Applied mathematics graduates often land roles in data analysis, actuarial science, or operations research, fields where Jackson's market may differ substantially from national patterns. The $60,930 estimate comes from programs across the country, some in major tech hubs and others in smaller markets like Mississippi.

For parents, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student actually achieves outcomes comparable to the national peer group. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into Millsaps-specific results. If your child has admission offers from larger public universities in neighboring states with reported data, those might offer more certainty about post-graduation prospects.