Applied Mathematics at The University of Texas at El Paso

Starting salaries around $61,000 put this program above the Texas median for applied mathematics graduates, which hovers near $54,000 according to peer programs statewide. With an open-admission policy and 61% of students receiving Pell grants, UTEP serves a population often priced out of more selective universities—and based on comparable programs nationally, their applied math graduates appear to land in the middle of the national earnings distribution. The estimated $21,000 debt load translates to manageable monthly payments relative to that first-year income.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests graduates would dedicate roughly a third of their first year's salary to their total debt—a reasonable threshold by most financial planning standards. For context, similar programs at Texas A&M report slightly lower earnings at $57,787, meaning UTEP's estimated outcomes aren't far off despite the significant difference in selectivity. Applied mathematics degrees tend to open doors to actuarial work, data analysis, and tech-adjacent roles that value quantitative skills over institutional pedigree.

The practical takeaway: if your child wants quantitative training without the debt load that often accompanies flagship universities, UTEP's program appears positioned competitively based on state and national patterns. The figures here are extrapolated from peer institutions rather than direct graduate outcomes, so verify recent employment rates with the department directly, but the fundamentals suggest solid ROI potential for students who complete the degree.