Mathematics at Southern Methodist University

SMU's mathematics program produces graduates earning $74,516 right after graduation—50% more than the typical math graduate in Texas and nearly double the national median. Among the 70 Texas schools offering math degrees, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming much larger programs at UT Austin ($60,011) and UT Dallas ($58,238). The combination of SMU's strong career services, Dallas location near major employers, and selective admissions (average SAT: 1424) translates into unusually high starting salaries for math graduates.

The $21,000 median debt sits right at the national average for math programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just over three months of gross salary. That's an exceptionally comfortable position compared to most bachelor's programs. Earnings grow modestly to $79,735 by year four, which is steady rather than explosive growth but maintains the significant premium over peers.

For families weighing the private school price tag, this program demonstrates clear market value. SMU math graduates enter the workforce with a substantial earnings advantage that more than justifies typical debt loads. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes, and the pattern holds consistently across both early and mid-career data points.