Mathematics at Temple University

Temple's mathematics program shows graduates earning well above state and national benchmarks right out of college, with starting salaries of $59,167—that's $10,000 more than the typical Pennsylvania math graduate. The $22,500 debt load is actually below the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38, which means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross earnings.

However, the small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly with a larger dataset. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: four years out, median pay drops to $54,614. This backward slide is unusual for math majors, who typically see steady wage growth as they gain experience. It could reflect graduates pivoting to teaching roles, pursuing graduate education, or simply the volatility of small sample statistics.

For parents weighing cost versus return, the fundamentals remain solid—Temple graduates leave with manageable debt and land strong initial positions. But the earnings dip raises questions about long-term career paths that you'd want your child to explore during campus visits. Ask about internship placements and where recent graduates actually work, since those details matter more than averages calculated from such a small group.