Analysis
Slippery Rock's mathematics program operates in a crowded Pennsylvania market where it lands squarely in the middle tier—its graduates earn $51,756 four years out, placing it at the 40th percentile statewide and slightly below both national and state medians. That's roughly $17,000 less than what Temple math grads make and nearly $24,000 behind Drexel. For a field where earnings typically vary widely based on career path, these mid-pack results suggest graduates may be landing in teaching or support roles rather than actuarial science or quantitative finance positions.
The bright spot here is debt: at $26,500, it tracks almost exactly with Pennsylvania's median for math programs and sits in the 9th percentile nationally—meaning 91% of comparable programs nationwide leave students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 is manageable, and steady 10% earnings growth through year four indicates graduates are gaining traction in their careers. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably year to year.
For families prioritizing affordability over elite career outcomes, this combination works. Your child graduates with reasonable debt and earnings that cover it comfortably. But if they're aiming for high-paying quantitative roles, the gap between Slippery Rock and top Pennsylvania programs is substantial enough to warrant exploring alternatives—or planning for graduate school to bridge that difference.
Where Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $47,277 | $51,756 | +9% |
| Villanova University | $75,481 | $84,324 | +12% |
| Drexel University | $70,313 | $81,966 | +17% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $37,937 | $63,511 | +67% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $37,937 | $63,511 | +67% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,507 | $47,277 | $51,756 | $26,500 | 0.56 | |
| $64,701 | $75,481 | $84,324 | $25,454 | 0.34 | |
| $62,412 | $72,656 | — | — | — | |
| $60,663 | $70,313 | $81,966 | $30,899 | 0.44 | |
| $22,082 | $59,167 | $54,614 | $22,500 | 0.38 | |
| $47,146 | $49,314 | $62,639 | $26,940 | 0.55 | |
| 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 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, approximately 28% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.