Mathematics at The University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UTEP's mathematics program lands firmly in the middle tier for Texas, earning more than half of math programs statewide but trailing the state's powerhouses by $15,000-$30,000 in starting salary. First-year graduates earn $42,424—about $7,000 below the Texas median—but reasonable debt of $17,195 means most graduates owe less than five months' salary. For families seeking an affordable math degree from a Hispanic-serving institution with open admission, that's a manageable trade-off.
The earnings trajectory shows steady upward momentum, with graduates earning 23% more four years out at $52,326. That growth rate suggests UTEP math grads are gaining traction in their careers, even if they start behind peers from UT Austin or SMU. The debt load being notably lower than both state and national averages partially offsets the earnings gap—UTEP graduates carry about $4,500 less debt than the typical Texas math major.
For students who need open admission and are committed to staying in the El Paso area, this program delivers solid fundamentals at a price that won't crush your finances. The degree won't open as many doors as flagship Texas programs, but the math is straightforward: borrow under $20,000, earn over $40,000 your first year, and watch your salary climb from there.
Where The University of Texas at El Paso Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at El Paso graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at El Paso graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $42,424 | $52,326 | $17,195 | 0.41 |
| Southern Methodist University | $74,516 | $79,735 | $21,000 | 0.28 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $60,011 | $75,618 | $20,500 | 0.34 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $58,238 | — | $19,745 | 0.34 |
| University of Houston | $54,710 | $57,873 | $20,100 | 0.37 |
| University of North Texas | $53,133 | $54,367 | $23,689 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $74,516 | $21,000 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $60,011 | $20,500 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson | $14,564 | $58,238 | $19,745 |
| University of Houston Houston | $9,711 | $54,710 | $20,100 |
| University of North Texas Denton | $11,164 | $53,133 | $23,689 |
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 The University of Texas at El Paso, approximately 61% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.