Mathematics and Statistics at Saint Mary's College

Saint Mary's College operates in the shadow of nearby Notre Dame, where mathematics graduates earn nearly $90,000 in their first year—a stark $30,000 gap compared to what peer programs nationally suggest Saint Mary's graduates might expect. With estimated debt around $21,250 against estimated first-year earnings of $59,000, the debt burden itself looks manageable at just 36% of first-year income. But the bigger question is opportunity cost: Indiana's small market for math bachelor's programs shows significantly higher returns at competing schools.

The estimation here—drawn from national programs of similar size—reflects Saint Mary's specialized position as a Catholic women's college. Similar programs nationally produce the $59,000 figure, which falls right at the national median but well below what Indiana programs typically deliver. For a student committed to Saint Mary's educational model, these numbers suggest financial viability without severe debt stress. For families primarily focused on return on investment, the state comparison deserves serious consideration.

The practical takeaway: if your daughter is drawn to Saint Mary's community and mission, the estimated debt load won't be crushing. But if maximizing early career earnings matters more, understanding why similarly credentialed programs in Indiana show 50% higher starting salaries is worth investigation before committing.