Analysis
St. Olaf's mathematics program outperforms the vast majority of similar programs nationwide, placing in the 82nd percentile for earnings despite being only at the 60th percentile among Minnesota schools—a reflection of how competitive the state's math programs are overall. Starting at nearly $59,000 and reaching almost $73,000 by year four represents solid 24% growth that keeps pace with the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, the state's flagship institution.
The $23,000 in median debt is exactly Minnesota's average and sits below the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. Graduates can realistically pay down their loans within a few years while building financial stability. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than a few outliers driving the numbers.
For families weighing a private liberal arts education against state universities, St. Olaf delivers comparable early-career earnings to Minnesota's public flagships at debt levels that won't derail financial planning. This is a straightforward value proposition: strong initial placement that continues to build momentum through the crucial first four years of a career.
Where St Olaf College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How St Olaf College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Olaf College | $58,825 | $72,810 | +24% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $58,153 | $72,102 | +24% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | $55,482 | $65,774 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 St Olaf CollegeNorthfield | $56,970 | $58,825 | $72,810 | $23,000 | 0.39 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $58,153 | $72,102 | $22,095 | 0.38 |
 Macalester CollegeSaint Paul | $64,908 | $57,166 | — | $22,483 | 0.39 |
 University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth | $14,318 | $55,482 | $65,774 | $23,975 | 0.43 |
 Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis | $43,942 | $54,387 | — | $26,452 | 0.49 |
| 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 Olaf College, approximately 20% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 47 graduates with reported earnings and 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.