Analysis
Earning $52,160 in the first year—a figure drawn from Missouri's median for math bachelor's programs—Southwest Baptist's graduates appear to reach solid ground faster than most. By year four, actual reported earnings jump to $71,818, suggesting meaningful career progression that outpaces both the national median ($48,772) and puts graduates in the company of peers from larger state universities like Missouri State.
The estimated $21,750 in debt, based on similar private Baptist colleges nationally, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—well within manageable territory. That's less than half a year's salary, which should allow for reasonable monthly payments even in those early-career years. What's particularly encouraging is that Southwest Baptist appears to balance accessibility (100% admission rate, 35% Pell enrollment) with competitive outcomes, at least based on what comparable programs typically produce.
The caveat: these earnings and debt figures are estimates because this program's actual graduate cohort was too small to report publicly. The year-four earnings are real, which is reassuring, but you're making enrollment decisions without knowing this specific program's track record on debt or initial placement. If your child is genuinely motivated by mathematics and wants a smaller, faith-based environment, the financial picture looks reasonable based on peer programs. Just recognize you're operating on informed speculation rather than proven outcomes for Southwest Baptist specifically.
Where Southwest Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Baptist University | — | $71,818 | — |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | $48,188 | $56,610 | +17% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $31,856 | $55,947 | +76% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,320 | $52,160* | $71,818 | $21,750* | — | |
| $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 Southwest Baptist University, approximately 35% 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.