Mathematics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

RPI mathematics graduates earn more than their peers at almost every other school in New York—only Cornell produces higher earners. At $80,196 one year out and $100,012 by year four, these graduates are making roughly double what the typical New York math major earns ($45,880). Even compared to strong national math programs, RPI ranks in the 95th percentile, leaving prestigious names like NYU and Hamilton College well behind.

The $24,250 median debt is reasonable but not exceptional—slightly above both state and national medians for math programs. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary, making repayment straightforward. The 25% earnings growth over four years suggests these graduates are launching into career tracks with real upward mobility, likely in tech, finance, or analytics roles where RPI's engineering-school reputation opens doors.

For families weighing RPI's private-school price tag against SUNY alternatives, these outcomes justify the premium. Your child would be entering a program that demonstrably delivers top-tier employment outcomes for math majors, with earnings that quickly offset the additional debt. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) is less concerning here given the consistency with RPI's broader reputation for strong STEM placement.