Analysis
At $21,750 in estimated debt against first-year earnings likely around $48,772, this math degree's numbers look manageable on paper. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments, and the earning potential appears to track with the national median for bachelor's-level math programs. However, these figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Southern Nazarene's actual graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education can't publish due to small sample sizes.
The estimates here actually outpace what peer programs in Oklahoma typically produce—the state median for math bachelor's degrees sits at $43,737, about $5,000 lower. Whether Southern Nazarene's graduates actually achieve these higher earnings is uncertain given the estimation method. The school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (45%), which often correlates with graduates needing every dollar of earning power to manage debt successfully.
For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial viability if your child can secure math-related employment quickly after graduation. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how this specific program's graduates actually fare. If possible, ask the university directly about graduate placement rates and typical starting positions—information that might clarify whether these estimated outcomes reflect their students' real experiences.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,600 | $48,772* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $10,234 | $46,943* | — | $23,301* | 0.50 | |
| $9,595 | $40,531* | $55,204 | $16,500* | 0.41 | |
| 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 Nazarene University, approximately 45% 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.