Mathematics at Saint Francis University

Based on comparable mathematics programs across Pennsylvania, Saint Francis graduates would face about $26,000 in debt against first-year earnings near $49,000—a manageable half-year salary ratio that aligns closely with the national median for math degrees. The debt figure comes from similar private institutions in the state, while earnings track the typical outcome for Pennsylvania math majors, suggesting neither standout value nor alarming risk.

The challenge isn't the debt-to-earnings math itself; it's what those middle-of-the-road figures mean in context. Pennsylvania's top mathematics programs—places like Villanova, Swarthmore, and Drexel—produce starting salaries $20,000 to $25,000 higher than what peer programs suggest for Saint Francis. With an admission rate of 77% and modest average SAT scores, this is an accessible option, but math graduates from more selective programs often command significantly better immediate returns.

For parents, the question becomes whether Saint Francis's specific strengths—perhaps smaller classes, geographic convenience, or financial aid beyond these estimates—justify accepting earnings that similar state programs produce when Pennsylvania clearly has mathematics pathways that lead to substantially stronger outcomes. The debt level won't crush your child, but the opportunity cost of potentially lower earnings matters more in a field where top programs open doors to finance, tech, and analytics roles that pay considerably better from day one.