Mathematics at Siena Heights University

Looking at comparable mathematics programs in Michigan, first-year earnings around $48,000 appear typical for bachelor's degree holders in this field—right in line with the state median and close to national averages. What makes Siena Heights' estimated debt load of $21,750 noteworthy is that it comes in lower than Michigan's median for math programs ($25,125), producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45. This suggests graduates from similar programs could feasibly manage their debt on entry-level salaries, with monthly payments representing a manageable share of income.

The challenge lies in the wide variation across Michigan institutions. While peer programs at schools like Michigan State track similarly to these estimates, top-tier programs like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor produce nearly double the first-year earnings. Given Siena Heights' 67% admission rate and modest SAT scores, it likely draws students who may not have access to Michigan's most selective programs—making the comparison less about competing alternatives and more about whether the investment delivers reasonable value for students who attend here.

For parents, the key question is whether $22,000 in debt for a degree that peers suggest will earn around $48,000 represents a sound investment. The ratio looks reasonable on paper, but remember these are estimates from similar programs, not tracked outcomes from Siena Heights specifically. Request placement data directly from the school to understand where their mathematics graduates actually land.