Analysis
A mathematics degree from Randolph-Macon appears positioned near Virginia's middle tier based on comparable programs. Similar bachelor's programs in Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $57,271, which aligns precisely with the state median and sits roughly $8,500 above the national median for math degrees. That gap matters: Virginia's strong tech sector and federal contractor presence create genuine advantages for math graduates that don't exist everywhere.
The estimated $21,750 debt load translates to a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio—below both the state median ($23,250) and well within safe territory for STEM graduates. For context, peer programs at larger Virginia schools like JMU and Virginia Tech report first-year earnings in the $55,000-$61,000 range. Randolph-Macon's smaller class sizes and 83% admission rate suggest a different educational experience, though whether that justifies similar costs depends heavily on fit and teaching quality in the math department specifically.
The central question is whether this particular program delivers outcomes matching its Virginia peers, given we're working from estimates rather than actual graduate data. The fundamentals look sound—reasonable debt for earnings that appear competitive—but you're making a bet on a program without verified track record data. Before committing, request specific information from Randolph-Macon about where recent math graduates have landed jobs and whether they're actually achieving these Virginia-median outcomes.
Where Randolph-Macon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Randolph-Macon CollegeAshland | $48,002 | $57,271* | — | $21,750* | — |
 University of Mary WashingtonFredericksburg | $14,559 | $61,247* | $60,523 | $24,475* | 0.40 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $60,784* | $99,961 | $19,500* | 0.32 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $60,494* | $91,943 | $20,750* | 0.34 |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $58,810* | $74,140 | $20,876* | 0.35 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $55,731* | $61,470 | $23,250* | 0.42 |
| 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 Randolph-Macon College, approximately 20% 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 VA. Actual outcomes may vary.