Mathematics at Sterling College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests manageable borrowing for this mathematics degree, though the limited graduate cohort means we're working with estimated figures drawn from national peer programs rather than Sterling's actual outcomes. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in mathematics nationwide, first-year earnings around $49,000 align with typical entry points for math graduates, while the estimated $21,750 debt load sits just above the national median for similar programs.

Kansas mathematics programs show considerable variation—from University of Kansas graduates earning near $49,000 to Kansas State's $43,000—so a small liberal arts college like Sterling could reasonably fall anywhere in that range. What matters is that peer mathematics programs nationally produce outcomes that would allow graduates to repay this debt level within reasonable timeframes. The 53% admission rate and significant Pell grant population suggest Sterling serves students who might not access larger state universities, potentially offering value through smaller class sizes and personalized instruction that the numbers alone don't capture.

The limitation here is straightforward: without actual graduate outcomes, you're betting that Sterling's program performs similarly to the national mathematics cohort. If your child thrives in smaller classroom settings and Sterling's career services can connect them to solid entry-level positions, the estimated debt picture looks workable. But recognize you're making that decision without the school-specific data that would confirm whether this particular program delivers on that promise.