Analysis
A mathematics degree with first-year earnings around $49,000—based on national patterns for bachelor's programs—places Plymouth State well below what New Hampshire's math market typically delivers. Other math programs in the state show a median starting salary near $80,000, with Southern New Hampshire at $51,000 and Dartmouth at $108,000. That $30,000 gap between Plymouth's expected outcomes and the state median is substantial and worth understanding, especially when debt levels across New Hampshire math programs are nearly identical at around $21,500.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 sits in reasonable territory nationally, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. But context matters: if comparable New Hampshire programs are launching graduates into significantly higher-paying roles with similar debt loads, the relative value proposition shifts. Mathematics degrees often lead to varied career paths—teaching, data analysis, actuarial work, finance—and starting salaries can differ dramatically depending on which direction graduates take.
The question for your family is whether Plymouth State's mathematics program opens doors to New Hampshire's stronger math job market, or whether it tracks more closely with national averages. Given that the school admits most applicants and these figures are estimates rather than verified outcomes, connecting with recent alumni about their actual career trajectories would be essential before committing to this path.
Where Plymouth State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,558 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $65,739 | $108,255* | $124,017 | $11,617* | 0.11 | |
| $16,450 | $51,396* | $54,330 | $30,833* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Plymouth State University, approximately 26% 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.