Mathematics at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's mathematics program manages to keep debt remarkably low—$18,000 puts it well below both the national median ($21,500) and most comparable programs. With first-year earnings of $46,520, graduates face a debt burden of just 0.39 times their salary, meaning the typical borrower could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of pre-tax income. Among South Dakota's math programs, this sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, landing in the 60th percentile statewide.

The earnings trajectory, however, stays essentially flat. At $48,395 four years out, graduates see only a 4% bump—modest growth that leaves them trailing the national median for math majors. Nationally, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile for earnings, suggesting stronger alternatives exist elsewhere. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) adds uncertainty to these figures, so individual outcomes could vary considerably.

For families prioritizing affordability over earning potential, this represents a solid path into mathematics with minimal financial risk. The low debt load provides flexibility for graduate school or lower-paying first jobs. But students with stronger academic profiles might find better returns at programs with more robust earnings growth, particularly if they're willing to take on slightly more debt for significantly higher mid-career pay.