Mathematics at Texas State University

Texas State's mathematics program delivers something rare: genuinely low debt combined with middle-tier earnings. At $26,000 in student loans—well below both state and national medians—graduates start with manageable obligations even as their $49,708 first-year salary places them near Texas's median for math degrees. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, these graduates are borrowing about half a year's salary, giving them financial flexibility that elite programs often don't provide despite higher starting salaries.

The tradeoff becomes clearer when looking at the state's top performers. UT Austin and Dallas grads earn $10,000+ more annually, and SMU's private school premium pushes starting salaries above $74,000. But those programs typically come with steeper debt loads and more selective admissions. For a student entering Texas State with a 1093 SAT—below the threshold for many top-tier schools—this program offers a legitimate path into quantitative careers without crushing debt.

The flat earnings trajectory deserves attention: four years out, median pay actually dips slightly to $49,264. This suggests graduates may be settling into education or government roles rather than climbing corporate ladders. If your child dreams of data science or finance careers, they'll need to hustle beyond the degree itself. But for a math major who wants stable work, reasonable debt, and the option to pursue graduate school later without financial strain, Texas State accomplishes exactly that.