Mathematics at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg's mathematics program sits squarely in the middle nationally but lags behind most Pennsylvania schools, where it ranks in the 40th percentile for graduate earnings. That's a significant gap—Temple University, a fellow public institution, produces math graduates earning $59,000 within a year of graduation, while Shippensburg's hover around $49,000. The state's elite programs do even better, with Villanova and Swarthmore graduates commanding over $70,000, though these comparisons are less relevant for families considering a regional public university with an 86% admission rate.

The positive side of this equation is exceptionally manageable debt. At $26,500, graduates face one of the lowest debt burdens among math programs nationally (9th percentile), translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54—well within comfortable repayment territory. Earnings also grow solidly to $55,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find stable career footing even if starting salaries are modest.

For families seeking an affordable path to a math degree, Shippensburg delivers low financial risk. But if your student has the credentials for Temple or similar mid-tier Pennsylvania schools, the $10,000 earnings premium may justify exploring those options, as the debt levels aren't dramatically different across state schools.