Applied Mathematics at Saint Mary's College

A $60,930 starting salary—matching the national median for applied mathematics bachelor's programs—paired with an estimated $25,421 in debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42. Saint Mary's College doesn't report specific outcomes for this program due to small graduate cohorts, so these figures derive from peer programs nationally. For context, the debt estimate slightly exceeds the national median of $21,393 for applied math programs, though it remains well within reasonable bounds given the earning potential.

Applied mathematics degrees typically offer strong career flexibility, opening doors to data analysis, actuarial science, operations research, and software development roles. The estimated first-year earnings place graduates in solid entry-level territory, with room to grow—the national 75th percentile reaches $71,670, suggesting advancement potential for high performers. The moderate debt load means monthly payments should consume a manageable portion of take-home pay, avoiding the financial strain that derails some graduates' early careers.

For families considering Saint Mary's, recognize that these estimates reflect broader patterns rather than this specific program's track record. The small cohort size that triggers data suppression could signal either a boutique program with individualized attention or one still building its reputation. Request information from the mathematics department about recent graduate placements and career outcomes—small programs sometimes produce excellent results that simply don't show up in federal databases due to reporting thresholds.