Mathematics at Olivet Nazarene University

A mathematics degree from Olivet Nazarene looks like a solid financial proposition based on what similar Illinois programs produce. With estimated first-year earnings around $52,600 against roughly $17,000 in debt, graduates would face manageable monthly payments—about $190 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming just 4% of gross income. That's well below the danger zone where loan payments strain budgets. The earnings figure aligns closely with the state median for math programs, putting Olivet's outcomes in the middle of Illinois's competitive landscape, though still far behind the elite private universities in Chicago.

What makes this estimate particularly encouraging is the debt side. At an estimated $17,000, Olivet comes in notably lower than both the state median ($20,600) and national median ($21,500) for mathematics degrees. This pattern—typical or above-typical earnings paired with below-average debt—creates breathing room for graduates whether they're heading into teaching, actuarial work, or graduate school. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests peer programs are setting graduates up for financial stability rather than stress.

For parents, this looks like reasonable value, especially given Olivet's 35% Pell grant population and moderate selectivity. The uncertainty here is real—these are estimates based on comparable Illinois programs, not Olivet's actual outcomes—but the underlying math works in graduates' favor enough that minor variations wouldn't dramatically change the picture.