Analysis
In Maryland, mathematics programs range from near-$50K starting salaries at regional universities to over $80K at flagship research institutions. Based on comparable programs across the state, Mount St. Mary's graduates likely earn around $56,443 in their first year—roughly $8,000 above the national median for math majors and on par with Towson University's outcomes. That places this program solidly in the middle tier of Maryland options, well behind Johns Hopkins and UMD-College Park but competitive with other state schools.
The estimated $21,750 in debt is nearly identical to the national median for math programs and just slightly above Maryland's typical $19,500. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, graduates would dedicate roughly five months of their first-year salary to loan repayment—manageable by most standards. The calculation becomes more straightforward when the degree actually costs what these estimates suggest, though individual circumstances (scholarships, family contribution, time to completion) will vary significantly.
For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether Mount St. Mary's smaller program justifies costs similar to larger state universities that produce comparable earnings. If your student values the intimate learning environment of a 72% admission-rate liberal arts college and you're confident the actual debt won't substantially exceed these peer-program figures, the mathematics degree appears financially sound—though not exceptional compared to Maryland's public options.
Where Mount St. Mary's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,240 | $56,443* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $63,340 | $83,171* | $117,066 | $10,859* | 0.13 | |
| $11,505 | $79,129* | $91,552 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $11,306 | $56,443* | $73,315 | $25,000* | 0.44 | |
| $12,952 | $54,362* | $74,668 | $16,875* | 0.31 | |
| $10,638 | $49,125* | $61,089 | $23,250* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Mount St. Mary's University, 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 MD. Actual outcomes may vary.