Mathematics at Misericordia University

Pennsylvania's mathematics bachelor's programs show considerable variation, with top earners like Villanova and Swarthmore graduates commanding $70,000+ in their first year while others hover near the state median of $48,800. Based on comparable math programs across Pennsylvania, Misericordia graduates would likely fall in this middle range—earning around the state and national median but facing slightly higher debt than typical. At an estimated $25,990 in loans against $48,800 in first-year earnings, the debt burden appears manageable with a ratio of 0.53, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary.

The gap between Misericordia's likely outcomes and Pennsylvania's elite programs is substantial—potentially $20,000-25,000 less in first-year earnings. Whether that difference matters depends on your family's financial situation and what opportunities a smaller, accessible school like Misericordia (85% admission rate) might offer beyond the paycheck. Some students thrive in that environment and catch up earnings-wise over time; others might benefit from targeting programs with stronger early outcomes.

The practical reality: if your child attends on these estimated debt levels, they'd be looking at monthly loan payments around $290 on a standard 10-year plan—tight but feasible on a $48,800 salary. The math degree itself is versatile, opening doors to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, and graduate programs. Just recognize you're making this decision with peer program estimates rather than Misericordia's actual track record, which remains unpublished due to small class sizes.