Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable borrowing, though peer programs in Oklahoma tell a more nuanced story about what mathematics graduates actually earn. While national math programs cluster around $48,800 in first-year earnings, Oklahoma's median sits lower at $43,700—and even Oklahoma State's reported outcomes land closer to $47,000. That gap matters when you're carrying over $21,000 in debt.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported data from Northeastern State itself, you're relying on national averages that may not reflect the regional job market these graduates actually enter. Math degrees can lead to teaching, actuarial work, or data analysis roles, but outcomes vary dramatically based on career path and geography. Rural northeastern Oklahoma isn't exactly a tech hub, which could limit initial salary potential compared to what graduates find in Tulsa or Oklahoma City.
Given Northeastern State's open-door admissions and significant Pell-eligible population, this program likely serves students who need an affordable path to a math credential. The estimated debt load is reasonable, and if those national earnings materialize, graduates would be paying roughly 44 cents per dollar earned—workable territory. But with actual program outcomes unknown, verify what graduates from this specific campus are doing and earning before banking on national benchmarks that may not apply locally.
Where Northeastern State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,513 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $10,234 | $46,943* | — | $23,301* | 0.50 | |
| $9,595 | $40,531* | $55,204 | $16,500* | 0.41 | |
| 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 Northeastern State University, approximately 42% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.