Applied Mathematics at Simpson College

Simpson College's Applied Mathematics bachelor's comes with an estimated debt load of $25,421—modestly above the national median for similar programs—while comparable applied math degrees nationally suggest first-year earnings around $60,930. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates would owe roughly 42% of their first year's salary. This falls within reasonable bounds for a STEM degree, though it's worth noting that Simpson's admission profile (89% acceptance rate, high average SAT) suggests considerable variation in student preparation, which can affect actual outcomes.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here. With nearly 300 schools nationally offering applied mathematics degrees, the national median provides a reasonable baseline, but individual school performance varies significantly. Simpson's status as a selective liberal arts college could work in graduates' favor through stronger alumni networks and faculty mentorship, or it could mean fewer direct corporate recruiting pipelines compared to larger universities. The $25,000 debt estimate assumes typical borrowing patterns at similar institutions, but your child's actual debt will depend heavily on financial aid and family contribution.

For a family considering this investment, the math suggests manageable repayment if your child actually lands near that $61,000 earnings estimate. Monthly loan payments would run roughly $280 on a standard plan—tight but feasible. The real question is whether Simpson's smaller program (hence the suppressed data) provides enough specialized coursework and industry connections to compete with graduates from Iowa's larger institutions.