Mathematics at Saint Ambrose University

Similar mathematics programs in Iowa suggest starting salaries around $51,400—solidly above the national median and potentially opening doors to actuarial work, data analysis, or teaching positions. With estimated debt of $21,750, graduates would face monthly loan payments near $240, taking roughly 42% of that first year's salary to service. That's manageable, though it assumes the actual outcomes for Saint Ambrose align with state averages.

The challenge is uncertainty. Iowa's mathematics programs show considerable range, from University of Iowa's $60,600 to Northern Iowa's $42,700. Saint Ambrose's smaller graduate cohorts mean we're working with estimates rather than tracked outcomes for their specific students. The school serves a substantial number of Pell grant recipients (28%), which could indicate strong support systems, but without actual earnings data, you're betting that their mathematics graduates perform at least at the state median.

For a family considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—debt that's roughly half a year's salary entering a field with decent demand. But recognize you're making that decision without seeing Saint Ambrose's actual track record. Before committing, ask the department directly about job placement, graduate school acceptance rates, and whether they can connect you with recent alumni. The estimated picture looks workable; just ensure the reality matches.