Analysis
Southern Adventist's mathematics program shows estimated debt levels that align closely with national norms—around $21,750 versus the $21,500 national median—but the earnings picture is harder to pin down with confidence. Based on comparable Tennessee programs, first-year earnings around $51,000 place graduates near the state median for math bachelor's degrees, which translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42. That's well within the range where most graduates can reasonably expect to handle repayment, assuming they enter math-related fields.
The challenge is context: Tennessee's math programs span an enormous range, from Vanderbilt's six-figure outcomes to UT-Knoxville's more modest $39,000. Without reported data specific to Southern Adventist, it's unclear whether this small Christian university's graduates track closer to larger state schools or benefit from tighter industry connections that boost early placement. The program serves a limited number of students each year, which explains the data suppression but also means outcomes can vary significantly based on individual career choices and geographic mobility.
For families considering this program, the estimated figures suggest reasonable but not exceptional value. The debt load won't be crushing, but you'll want to verify placement rates and employer relationships directly with the math department, since peer-program estimates can't tell you whether Southern Adventist's specific graduates are landing the stronger-paying roles that make a math degree worthwhile.
Where Southern Adventist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,590 | $51,247* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $63,946 | $103,812* | $125,955 | $10,000* | 0.10 | |
| $10,344 | $57,310* | — | $24,125* | 0.42 | |
| $9,506 | $45,184* | $52,689 | $18,750* | 0.41 | |
| $13,484 | $39,043* | $45,382 | $25,000* | 0.64 | |
| 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 Southern Adventist University, approximately 31% 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 TN. Actual outcomes may vary.