Mathematics at Truman State University

Truman State's mathematics program estimates suggest a debt load near $20,000 for first-year earnings around $52,000—a manageable 0.38 ratio that would make monthly loan payments roughly 6% of gross income. Based on comparable math programs across Missouri, this puts graduates in position to handle their debt comfortably while building toward higher earnings. However, what should concern parents is the four-year earnings figure of $48,144, which falls *below* the estimated first-year number. This isn't typical growth—it suggests either different career paths among the cohorts measured or challenges in translating a math degree into higher-paying work.

The state landscape shows math programs producing wildly different outcomes, from Washington University's nearly $80,000 to UMSL's $32,000, with Truman's estimates landing solidly in the middle. The school itself—with an 80% admission rate and average SAT of 1249—serves a different population than the state's elite programs, yet the projected earnings match Missouri's overall median for math degrees. The relatively low Pell enrollment (15%) suggests many students come from families who can help absorb costs beyond loans.

The bottom line: if these estimates hold, the debt picture looks reasonable, but that year-four earnings dip is a yellow flag. Make sure your student understands what career paths Truman math graduates actually pursue and whether those align with their goals, because the numbers hint at varied post-graduation trajectories rather than steady advancement.