Mathematics at Northwestern University

Northwestern's mathematics program posts numbers that look exceptional on paper—$79,530 starting salary with just $12,418 in debt—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly from year to year. Still, the pattern is striking: these graduates earn 63% more than the Illinois median and rank in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally, while carrying roughly half the typical debt load. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under two months of gross salary.

The comparison to University of Chicago is notable—while UChicago math graduates earn more ($100,421), Northwestern's combination of strong earnings and low debt creates an attractive value proposition. The modest 8% earnings growth to year four isn't cause for concern given the already-strong starting point. What matters more is that Northwestern math graduates are clearing nearly $80,000 right out of the gate, opening doors to quantitative careers in finance, tech, and analytics that typically reward pedigree from schools with 7% admission rates.

The small sample caveat is real—this could represent Northwestern's most career-focused math students rather than typical outcomes. But for families who can navigate the competitive admissions, the fundamentals are sound: strong starting earnings, minimal debt burden, and a degree that travels well beyond academia.