Analysis
A math degree with an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 represents a manageable financial starting point, though these figures come from peer programs rather than Sweet Briar's own graduates. Based on similar math programs in Virginia, first-year earnings around $57,000 would place this squarely in the middle of the state's range—well above the national median for math degrees ($48,772) but trailing Virginia's flagship universities. The estimated $21,750 in debt sits just below the state median and would translate to roughly $240 in monthly loan payments, consuming about 5% of gross income.
What matters most here is recognizing the uncertainty: with too few graduates to generate actual data, parents are betting on whether Sweet Briar's math program produces outcomes similar to its Virginia peers. The state's stronger programs at UVA, William & Mary, and JMU all show first-year earnings above $58,000, suggesting that Virginia's market for math graduates is reasonably strong. However, you're making assumptions about program quality, alumni networks, and career placement support without hard evidence specific to this school.
The debt load appears reasonable if the earnings estimates hold true, but you're investing in a program without a proven track record—at least not one visible in federal data. Before committing, determine why the graduate numbers are so small and whether that signals limited program resources or simply a boutique cohort size that still delivers strong outcomes.
Where Sweet Briar College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sweet Briar CollegeSweet Briar | $25,110 | $57,271* | — | $21,750* | — |
 University of Mary WashingtonFredericksburg | $14,559 | $61,247* | $60,523 | $24,475* | 0.40 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $60,784* | $99,961 | $19,500* | 0.32 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $60,494* | $91,943 | $20,750* | 0.34 |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $58,810* | $74,140 | $20,876* | 0.35 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $55,731* | $61,470 | $23,250* | 0.42 |
| 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 Sweet Briar College, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.