Mathematics at Quincy University

A mathematics degree from a small Illinois university positions graduates right at the state median, with comparable programs across Illinois suggesting first-year earnings around $52,600. That figure lands squarely in the middle of what mathematics bachelor's programs in the state typically produce—well above the national benchmark and competitive with larger state schools, though nowhere near the elite private universities that dominate the top of the range.

The estimated $17,100 in debt represents a meaningful advantage. Similar programs in Illinois typically leave graduates with over $20,500 in debt, giving Quincy an edge in affordability. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates would need roughly four months of gross income to cover their educational borrowing—a manageable burden that shouldn't prevent standard loan repayment. Mathematics majors generally face better employment prospects than many other fields, which helps explain why peer programs produce relatively strong early earnings even from mid-sized institutions.

The caveat: these are estimates based on similar Illinois programs, not tracked outcomes from Quincy specifically. If your child thrives in smaller classroom settings (the 50% admission rate suggests a less competitive environment than research universities), the estimated debt advantage could make this a practical choice. But if they're aiming for quantitative finance or tech roles where institutional prestige opens doors, the gap between Quincy's peer group and Northwestern's $79,500 outcomes matters considerably.