Mathematics at Mississippi Valley State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 puts this program in reasonable territory for a STEM degree, though there's important context to understand. While the earnings and debt figures here are estimated from peer mathematics programs nationally—necessary because this specific school's graduate cohort was too small to report publicly—they suggest first-year earnings around $49,000 against roughly $21,500 in debt. That's a manageable starting point, though not exceptional compared to other quantitative fields.

What's worth noting is that Mississippi Valley State serves a predominantly lower-income student population, with 60% receiving Pell grants, yet the estimated debt burden aligns closely with national norms for math bachelor's degrees. The challenge is that mathematics degrees can lead to vastly different career paths—from teaching (often lower-paying initially) to analytics or actuarial work (substantially higher). The actual outcomes for MVSU graduates specifically may vary considerably depending on which direction they take and what additional credentials or experience they build.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether their student will leverage the degree toward higher-paying quantitative roles or graduate work. The estimated figures suggest a workable financial foundation, but without school-specific data, you're placing more weight on your student's individual plans and initiative. If they're targeting teaching in Mississippi, expect earnings on the lower end; if they're positioning for data science or finance roles, the math degree becomes more valuable—but may require additional skills or credentials beyond what's measured here.