Mathematics at Union College

Union College's selective mathematics program—drawing students with SAT scores averaging 1410—appears to produce outcomes that trail well behind peer institutions in New York. While comparable math programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $46,000 against debt near $22,000, the gap between Union and other selective schools is stark. Cornell grads in mathematics earn $87,000 their first year, while even St. Lawrence—another liberal arts college—shows $58,000. That's a $12,000-$41,000 difference that compounds over a career.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 is reasonable on paper—you'd owe less than half your first year's salary. But context matters: Union admits students in the top quartile nationally, yet their mathematics program yields earnings below the national median of $48,772. For families paying selective college prices (only 13% receive Pell grants, suggesting limited financial aid), you're essentially getting mid-tier outcomes despite top-tier inputs.

The bottom line: Union's small program size means we're working with estimates, but those estimates suggest you could do considerably better elsewhere in New York if mathematics is the goal. Unless Union offers specific advantages—tight-knit community, particular faculty, or opportunities beyond the classroom—families should closely compare net costs against what RPI, NYU, or Fordham graduates are actually earning.