Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,277
44th percentile (40th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,500
23% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.56
Manageable
Sample Size
22
Limited data

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

Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaOther mathematics programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (74 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania$47,277$51,756$26,5000.56
Villanova University$75,481$84,324$25,4540.34
Swarthmore College$72,656———
Drexel University$70,313$81,966$30,8990.44
Temple University$59,167$54,614$22,5000.38
Duquesne University$49,314$62,639$26,9400.55
National Median$48,772—$21,5000.44

Other Mathematics Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Villanova University
Villanova
$64,701$75,481$25,454
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore
$62,412$72,656—
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$70,313$30,899
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$59,167$22,500
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh
$47,146$49,314$26,940

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.