Mathematics at Tabor College

A debt load around $22,000 for a mathematics bachelor's degree represents a manageable starting point, particularly when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings near $49,000. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within the "reasonable investment" range financial aid experts typically recommend, meaning graduates would likely face monthly loan payments they can handle on an entry-level salary.

Kansas offers an interesting context here. Similar mathematics programs statewide show median earnings around $46,000—slightly below what comparable programs nationally produce. Tabor's estimated outcomes track closer to University of Kansas graduates than the state median, which matters in a field where employers often value mathematical skills more than institutional prestige. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, Tabor serves a population for whom avoiding excessive debt is critical, and these projections suggest the program threads that needle.

The practical challenge is that we're working with estimates based on national peer programs rather than verified outcomes from Tabor's own graduates. For a small Kansas college, a math degree could lead to teaching, actuarial work, or data analysis roles—but those career paths vary wildly in compensation. Before committing, have frank conversations with Tabor's math department about where recent graduates actually landed and what support they provide for career placement. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but knowing the specific track record would remove considerable uncertainty.