Analysis
Mathematics degrees in New York typically yield starting salaries around $45,880, and this estimate for St. Bonaventure sits right at that state median—but it's worth noting the dramatic spread among NY programs. Top-tier schools like Cornell and RPI produce graduates earning $80,000-plus right out of the gate, while many other programs cluster around this mid-$40,000 mark. The estimated debt of $21,697 aligns closely with what similar programs across the state carry, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that suggests the degree could be paid off within a reasonable timeframe.
The challenge here is interpreting what these peer-program estimates mean for St. Bonaventure specifically. The school's 82% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest it serves a different student population than the elite NY programs, which might explain part of the earnings gap. Mathematics graduates from comparable schools appear to find employment that covers their debt reasonably well, but they're not reaching the salary levels that make a math degree feel like a financial home run. For families who can keep borrowing close to this $21,697 estimate—or ideally below it—the numbers suggest a workable investment. If costs run significantly higher, you'd want concrete placement data from St. Bonaventure itself about where their math graduates actually land before committing.
Where St Bonaventure University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,150 | $45,880* | — | $21,697* | — | |
| $66,014 | $87,251* | $127,962 | $14,146* | 0.16 | |
| $61,884 | $80,196* | $100,012 | $24,250* | 0.30 | |
| $61,992 | $73,204* | — | $26,949* | 0.37 | |
| $60,438 | $58,481* | $90,277 | $19,500* | 0.33 | |
| $63,870 | $58,047* | $68,144 | $25,000* | 0.43 | |
| 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 St Bonaventure University, approximately 23% 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 22 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.