Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable repayment for a mathematics degree, though it's worth noting that both figures here come from national medians rather than tracked outcomes from South Dakota Mines specifically. National data shows math bachelor's graduates typically earn around $49,000 in their first year, with debt loads near $21,500—a combination that allows most graduates to handle monthly payments without excessive strain. At schools of similar size and type nationally, these financial patterns are common for STEM-focused institutions.
What distinguishes Mines is its technical reputation and engineering focus, which could enhance a math graduate's career prospects beyond what generic national figures suggest. The school's relatively high SAT scores (1245) and strong STEM culture may produce outcomes that exceed the national benchmark, particularly for students interested in applied mathematics, data science, or technical fields where Mines has industry connections. South Dakota State reports $46,520 for math grads—slightly below the national median—but that's for a more traditional comprehensive university with a broader student body.
The estimates here don't account for what makes Mines unique, so the actual value proposition likely depends on career direction. If your student plans to pursue computational roles in engineering, mining, or energy sectors where Mines has placement strength, the program could outperform these baseline figures. For pure mathematics or teaching paths, the estimated outcomes are probably more reliable guides.
Where South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,400 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $9,299 | $46,520* | $48,395 | $18,000* | 0.39 | |
| 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.