Analysis
Norfolk State's mathematics program serves a predominantly working-class student body—62% receive Pell grants—and based on comparable Virginia programs, appears positioned to deliver solid outcomes. Similar bachelor's programs in mathematics across Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $57,271 against median debt of $23,125, producing a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's considerably stronger than the national benchmark of $48,772, placing Norfolk State's estimated outcomes in line with Virginia's competitive math education landscape.
The comparison with Virginia's top programs is instructive: Norfolk State's peer programs produce earnings within 6-10% of those at UVA, William & Mary, and Virginia Tech. For a school with an 87% admission rate serving a high percentage of first-generation college students, matching statewide medians suggests the program delivers real value. Mathematics degrees remain versatile credentials, opening doors to teaching, actuarial work, data analysis, and graduate study—fields where starting salaries often understate long-term potential.
The caveat is that these figures come from similar programs statewide, not Norfolk State's specific graduates, so your child's actual experience may differ. Still, the debt burden appears reasonable for a STEM field with solid earning potential, and Norfolk State's mission-driven focus on access doesn't seem to compromise outcomes. If your student thrives in smaller class settings and values affordability, this represents a viable path into mathematics careers without the credential inflation or debt load of more selective alternatives.
Where Norfolk State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk | $9,910 | $57,271* | — | $23,125* | — |
 University of Mary WashingtonFredericksburg | $14,559 | $61,247* | $60,523 | $24,475* | 0.40 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $60,784* | $99,961 | $19,500* | 0.32 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $60,494* | $91,943 | $20,750* | 0.34 |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $58,810* | $74,140 | $20,876* | 0.35 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $55,731* | $61,470 | $23,250* | 0.42 |
| 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 Norfolk State University, approximately 62% 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 8 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.