Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Minnesota, Saint Cloud State's bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the state median for earnings, with first-year graduates typically earning around $57,000. That's notably higher than the national median of $48,772 for math degrees and matches outcomes at schools like Macalester and St. Olaf. The estimated $21,500 in debt sits slightly below Minnesota's typical burden for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38βmeaning graduates would owe about five months' salary, which is manageable territory.
What's harder to assess is whether Saint Cloud State specifically delivers these outcomes, or whether Minnesota's strong job market for math graduates lifts all boats. The school's 95% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest it serves a different student population than the University of Minnesota or elite liberal arts colleges that report similar earnings. If you're considering this program, the key question is whether Saint Cloud's career services and employer connections can help your student access the same Minnesota math opportunities that graduates from more selective schools find, or whether those estimated earnings reflect outcomes more achievable elsewhere in the state.
The debt load is reasonable enough that the program could work financially if your student actually lands in that $57,000 rangeβbut with no specific data for this campus, you're taking it on faith that their outcomes match peer schools rather than knowing it from their track record.
Where Saint Cloud State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,117 | $57,166* | β | $21,498* | β | |
| $56,970 | $58,825* | $72,810 | $23,000* | 0.39 | |
| $16,488 | $58,153* | $72,102 | $22,095* | 0.38 | |
| $64,908 | $57,166* | β | $22,483* | 0.39 | |
| $14,318 | $55,482* | $65,774 | $23,975* | 0.43 | |
| $43,942 | $54,387* | β | $26,452* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $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 Saint Cloud State University, 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 5 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.