Mathematics at Simpson University

California's math bachelor's programs show a $10,000 earnings gap between typical outcomes and the national median, and Simpson's estimated figures place it squarely in that lower tier. Based on comparable programs in the state, first-year earnings around $38,400 trail the national median by more than 20%, while estimated debt of $21,750 exceeds what most California math graduates carry. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means roughly seven months of gross pay to cover the total borrowing—manageable on paper, but only if those earnings estimates hold and your child secures steady employment right away.

The real concern is the earning ceiling. Top California programs regularly place math graduates above $50,000 in their first year, creating a $12,000-plus annual advantage that compounds over time. Simpson serves a higher proportion of low-income students (42% on Pell grants), which may explain both the open admission and the limited outcomes data, but it doesn't change the financial calculation for your family. A math degree should open doors to teaching, data analysis, or graduate school—fields where starting salary matters less than trajectory—but the initial earnings gap still affects loan repayment timelines and financial flexibility.

If your child is committed to Simpson for other reasons—location, community, faith alignment—the estimated debt load won't bury them. But purely as a financial investment in a math career, peer programs suggest this path starts behind and may struggle to catch up to stronger alternatives within the UC or CSU systems.