Mathematics at San Diego State University

San Diego State's mathematics program keeps debt impressively low at just under $12,000—among the lowest 5% nationally for this major—but the earnings picture requires careful attention. Based on comparable mathematics programs across California, first-year earnings average around $38,000, which falls about $10,000 short of the national median for math graduates. The top UC campuses and Cal Poly show math graduates earning in the low-to-mid $50,000s, suggesting that program prestige and institutional resources may significantly influence outcomes in this field.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means graduates would owe roughly a third of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point if earnings grow with experience as they typically do for quantitative majors. SDSU's 34% admission rate and solid reputation position it as a selective public university, though it doesn't command the same employer recognition as the flagship UCs in technical hiring. For students planning to pursue graduate work or teaching credentials—common paths for math majors—the minimal debt becomes a real advantage.

The estimation here matters: we don't know if SDSU's actual outcomes fall above or below the state average. Parents should recognize they're accepting some uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers closer to the $38,000 state typical or approaches outcomes at higher-ranked California programs. The low debt provides a safety net, but expectations should account for likely modest initial earnings.