Analysis
Is borrowing $20,000 for a statistics degree worth it when the numbers suggest solid early returns? Based on comparable bachelor's programs in statistics nationally, graduates typically earn around $60,000 in their first year—a figure that yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. That means estimated debt represents roughly four months of gross pay, well within conventional lending standards and suggesting this path should be financially navigable for most graduates.
What makes this picture more compelling is statistics' versatility in today's data-driven economy. Similar programs feed graduates into analytics roles across healthcare, finance, tech, and government—sectors with strong demand and clear advancement tracks. The estimated earnings put Northern Kentucky's program right at the national median, neither exceptional nor disappointing, but importantly, accessible given the university's 96% admission rate. You're looking at a practical STEM credential without the stratospheric debt common at more selective institutions.
The real limitation here is uncertainty about Northern Kentucky's specific outcomes. With only two statistics programs in Kentucky and no reported data from either for comparison, you're betting on national patterns holding true locally. If your child has job prospects in Cincinnati or Louisville's growing analytics sectors, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. If the local market is weaker than the national picture implies, those earnings could disappoint.
Where Northern Kentucky University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Statistics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,896 | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | — | |
| $59,076 | $141,116* | — | —* | — | |
| $66,104 | $129,732* | — | —* | — | |
| $65,805 | $97,197* | $113,854 | $13,500* | 0.14 | |
| $63,829 | $93,111* | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $14,850 | $83,227* | $102,151 | $16,165* | 0.19 | |
| 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 Northern Kentucky University, approximately 24% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.