Analysis
Comparable mathematics programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $38,000—significantly below the national median of $49,000 for math graduates and well behind what top UC and Cal Poly programs produce. For a selective private university charging premium tuition, Santa Clara's estimated outcomes land in the middle of the state pack, while students at Berkeley, UCSD, and Cal Poly routinely start above $46,000. This $10,000 gap compounds quickly over a career.
The estimated $22,000 debt load sits near the national median but above California's typical $17,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57—manageable but unremarkable. Math graduates typically command strong starting salaries that make debt servicing straightforward, but these figures suggest Santa Clara's program isn't delivering the premium outcomes you'd hope for given the institution's selectivity and private school price tag. The 11% Pell grant rate indicates most families are paying substantial amounts out of pocket.
If you're considering Santa Clara specifically for mathematics rather than its broader offerings or location in Silicon Valley, these estimates warrant serious scrutiny. Public alternatives in California appear to deliver stronger earnings outcomes at lower debt levels. Make sure any premium you're paying translates into clear advantages—perhaps in smaller class sizes, research opportunities, or industry connections—that justify the investment gap.
Where Santa Clara University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (67 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $38,449* | — | $21,750* | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $53,136* | $65,655 | $16,718* | 0.31 |
 University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla | $15,265 | $52,339* | $56,452 | $16,250* | 0.31 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $50,712* | — | —* | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $46,674* | — | $20,500* | 0.44 |
 University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara | $14,965 | $46,447* | $64,574 | $17,000* | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $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 Santa Clara University, approximately 11% 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 23 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.