Applied Mathematics at Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens' Applied Mathematics program demonstrates why selective STEM institutions can justify higher costs. While the $25,841 debt sits slightly above the national median, graduates earn $97,700 in their first year—60% more than the national median for applied math majors and landing them in the 95th percentile nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in just over three months of gross income, an exceptionally strong position.

The state context reveals an interesting dynamic: this program performs at the median for New Jersey, where only seven schools offer applied math. Rather than a weakness, this shows how competitive the state's math programs are overall—Stevens matches what its in-state peers deliver while providing more accessible admission (43% acceptance rate) than many comparable institutions. The combination of strong standardized test scores (1447 average SAT) and relatively lower Pell enrollment (20%) suggests the program attracts well-prepared students who successfully convert their education into high-paying roles, likely in finance, tech, or quantitative fields concentrated in the New York metro area.

For families weighing this investment, the math works clearly in favor of Stevens. Graduating with debt equal to just a quarter of first-year earnings positions students to pay off loans quickly while building savings, and the program's track record places it among the nation's elite for applied mathematics outcomes.