Mathematics at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook's mathematics program starts slowly—new graduates earn just $36,784, well below both the national median ($48,772) and New York state median ($45,880)—but shows dramatic improvement over time. By year four, earnings jump to $58,217, representing 58% growth and placing graduates comfortably above state averages. Among New York's 83 mathematics programs, this still ranks only at the 25th percentile, trailing schools like Cornell and RPI by significant margins, but the trajectory suggests stronger long-term prospects than the first-year numbers indicate.

The debt picture is reasonable at $22,500, slightly above the state median but manageable given the eventual earnings. The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio looks concerning initially, but reflects that challenging first year rather than excessive borrowing. For a SUNY school serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (38%), these outcomes represent solid value—though parents should understand their child will likely need financial support or a part-time job in those early years.

The key question is what drives that slow start. Mathematics majors often pursue graduate degrees, work in lower-paying educational roles initially, or need time to transition into higher-paying quantitative fields. If your student plans to work immediately after graduation in finance or tech, this program delivers eventually. If they're comparing in-state options and can handle a lean first year, Stony Brook's combination of affordable debt and strong growth makes sense—just don't expect the immediate payoff that top-tier programs deliver.