Mathematics at St. Mary's University

The four-year earnings figure of $44,382 deserves close attention—it's actually lower than the estimated first-year number, suggesting either measurement volatility from a small sample or a challenging career trajectory for recent graduates. When Texas math programs typically start around $49,708 and the national median sits at $48,772, this backwards progression raises questions about whether St. Mary's graduates are finding positions that capitalize on their quantitative training. The estimated debt of $21,750 isn't overwhelming in isolation, but paired with earnings that may not be climbing as expected, you're looking at a financial picture that depends heavily on what happens in years two and three.

The gap between St. Mary's outcomes and top Texas programs is substantial—Southern Methodist at $74,516 and UT Austin at $60,011 serve very different student populations. But even among more accessible options, schools like University of Houston ($54,710) show that stronger math career pathways exist within Texas public institutions. St. Mary's serves a mission-driven population (42% Pell-eligible), and the 89% admission rate reflects its commitment to access rather than selectivity. For families prioritizing the university's values and support systems, that context matters.

The reality is that we're working with limited actual data here, which makes it harder to judge whether this specific program consistently prepares graduates for strong math careers. If your child is drawn to St. Mary's for its community or location, press the school directly on placement rates, graduate school admissions, and whether recent grads are landing positions that actually require mathematical training.