Analysis
Similar mathematics programs in Ohio suggest Otterbein graduates can expect first-year earnings around $49,000—squarely in line with the state median and just above the national benchmark. With an estimated $22,625 in debt, this puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.46, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary. That's a manageable starting point, though not particularly advantageous compared to some Ohio public universities where comparable programs show higher earnings potential.
The limited sample size that necessitates these estimates likely reflects Otterbein's small mathematics cohorts, which isn't inherently negative but does mean less institutional track record to evaluate. What matters more is the practical picture: peer programs in Ohio produce outcomes that would allow graduates to handle this debt level comfortably while pursuing typical mathematics career paths in education, actuarial work, or data analysis.
For parents weighing this against alternatives, the estimated numbers suggest Otterbein's mathematics program tracks with typical Ohio outcomes rather than standing out positively or negatively. The debt is modest enough that career flexibility shouldn't be severely constrained, but if your child has admission to Ohio's flagship programs where mathematics graduates demonstrably earn $3,000-5,000 more annually, those cost-benefit calculations deserve serious attention—especially if net prices are comparable after financial aid.
Where Otterbein University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (56 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,899 | $49,228* | — | $22,625* | — | |
| $7,272 | $54,367* | — | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,846 | $54,367* | — | $19,250* | 0.35 | |
| $12,859 | $52,921* | $58,860 | $20,500* | 0.39 | |
| $17,809 | $49,541* | — | $18,850* | 0.38 | |
| $13,570 | $48,914* | — | $20,970* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Otterbein University, approximately 29% 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 OH. Actual outcomes may vary.