Analysis
Statistics graduates from peer programs in Pennsylvania command striking salaries—the state median of $93,111 far exceeds the national figure of $59,718, suggesting the field's value in this region's economy. Misericordia's estimated outcomes mirror this state benchmark, with projected debt of $16,875 creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18. That means graduates would theoretically owe less than two months of their first-year salary, a comfortable position by any measure.
The challenge is uncertainty. With only three comparable bachelor's programs in Pennsylvania reporting data, we're extrapolating from a thin sample that includes elite institutions like Penn and Carnegie Mellon alongside Temple. Misericordia's 85% admission rate suggests a different student profile than these comparators, and it's unclear whether their graduates would actually command Pennsylvania's premium salaries or fall closer to national norms. The estimated debt figure comes from a national sample and may not reflect this school's actual financial aid patterns.
If the estimates hold, this looks like an excellent investment—minimal debt paired with strong regional earnings. But parents should verify placement rates and starting salaries with Misericordia's career services before banking on six-figure outcomes. The fundamentals of statistics as a major are solid; the question is whether this particular program delivers Pennsylvania's apparent advantage.
Where Misericordia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,370 | $93,111* | — | $16,875* | — | |
| $66,104 | $129,732* | — | —* | — | |
| $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $22,082 | $60,765* | — | $26,816* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Misericordia University, approximately 19% 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 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.