Analysis
Based on comparable mathematics programs in Missouri, Southeast Missouri State appears positioned in the middle tier—estimated first-year earnings of $52,160 put graduates ahead of the national median but well behind top state programs like Mizzou's $56,132. The estimated $19,922 in debt sits slightly above the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that suggests manageable repayment for most graduates.
What stands out here is the wide variation among Missouri math programs. Washington University's graduates earn dramatically more, but Southeast Missouri State's estimated outcomes roughly match the state median while costing significantly less than flagship alternatives. For families focused on value rather than prestige, this could represent a reasonable investment—though the earnings gap with University of Missouri-Columbia is notable given that both are public institutions.
The challenge is that these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs, not this specific school's track record. Small graduate cohorts in mathematics programs often mean suppressed data, so whether Southeast Missouri State's actual outcomes align with state medians remains uncertain. For parents evaluating this program, the estimated numbers suggest solid fundamentals but not exceptional outcomes. If your student has strong academic credentials (Southeast Missouri's SAT average is 1018), comparing direct costs against higher-performing state options would be worthwhile before committing.
Where Southeast Missouri State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,496 | $52,160* | — | $19,922* | — | |
| $62,982 | $79,799* | — | $18,700* | 0.23 | |
| $14,130 | $56,132* | — | $18,500* | 0.33 | |
| $9,024 | $48,188* | $56,610 | $19,922* | 0.41 | |
| $13,440 | $31,856* | $55,947 | $21,143* | 0.66 | |
| 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 Southeast Missouri State University, approximately 29% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.