Analysis
Minnesota's mathematics bachelor's programs cluster tightly in the mid-to-upper $50,000s for first-year earnings, and this program appears positioned right in that range at an estimated $57,166. With estimated debt around $21,500—just below the state median of $23,000—the financial fundamentals look reasonable. That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could manage repayment while earning well above the national median of $48,772 for math degrees.
The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here, derived from peer institutions across Minnesota rather than actual outcomes for Moorhead graduates specifically. The earnings figure comes from just five comparable programs statewide, and it's worth noting that the top programs in Minnesota—places like St. Olaf and the University of Minnesota—produce nearly identical results. This suggests math degrees in Minnesota tend toward consistent outcomes regardless of institutional prestige, which could work in this program's favor.
What matters most is whether a math degree from Moorhead opens doors your child wants. The field itself pays well nationally, and Minnesota's job market appears particularly strong for mathematics graduates. If the estimated figures hold true, your child would start with manageable debt and competitive earnings. But recognize you're making this decision without seeing what Moorhead's specific graduates actually achieve—a gap that matters more if your child has admitted offers from programs with published outcomes.
Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,336 | $57,166* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $56,970 | $58,825* | $72,810 | $23,000* | 0.39 | |
| $16,488 | $58,153* | $72,102 | $22,095* | 0.38 | |
| $64,908 | $57,166* | — | $22,483* | 0.39 | |
| $14,318 | $55,482* | $65,774 | $23,975* | 0.43 | |
| $43,942 | $54,387* | — | $26,452* | 0.49 | |
| 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% 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 MN. Actual outcomes may vary.