Mathematics at Radford University

Similar mathematics programs across Virginia suggest this degree tracks right at the state median—around $57,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $23,000 in debt. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates borrowers would owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for a STEM field that typically offers steady employment prospects.

What's worth noting is how Virginia's math programs cluster together. The top-performing programs at UVA, William & Mary, and JMU land graduates between $58,000 and $61,000—only about $1,000 to $4,000 above what peer programs suggest for Radford. Meanwhile, the estimated earnings here sit nearly $9,000 above the national median for math degrees. Virginia appears to be a strong labor market for mathematics graduates generally, which matters more than small differences between state schools.

The debt load, based on comparable Virginia programs at similar institutions, seems reasonable for a field where graduates typically find employment. With an admission rate above 90% and accessible entry requirements, Radford offers a path into mathematics without the competitive pressure of the state's flagship schools—while still positioning graduates in a healthy salary range based on what similar programs deliver. The key uncertainty is whether Radford specifically matches these state trends or falls short; the small graduate sample makes actual outcomes invisible here.