Mathematics at Southern Utah University

A mathematics bachelor's degree typically produces first-year earnings around $49,000 nationally, and peer programs suggest Southern Utah University's graduates land in that typical range. With estimated debt of $21,500, the 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the 1.0 threshold that signals manageable repayment—math grads from comparable programs generally face about 5-6 months of pre-tax income in student loans, which most financial experts consider reasonable for a STEM degree.

What's less certain is how this specific program positions students within Utah's competitive mathematics job market. The University of Utah reports actual earnings of $48,842 for its math graduates, right at the national median, but without reported data from Southern Utah, it's unclear whether their students achieve similar outcomes or lag behind. Utah's relatively small mathematics market (just 8 programs statewide) means each school's reputation and industry connections likely matter more than in larger states.

The practical calculation: if this degree delivers on the typical outcomes suggested by peer programs, the debt load is manageable and the credential opens doors to teaching, actuarial work, or tech sector positions. But parents should directly ask the department about job placement rates and where recent graduates actually landed—those specifics matter more than estimated figures when you're weighing this investment against Utah's other mathematics programs.