Mathematics at Union University

Looking at Tennessee's mathematics landscape, Union University's program appears positioned right at the state median, with peer programs suggesting first-year earnings around $51,247—about $2,500 above the national benchmark for math bachelor's degrees. The estimated debt of $21,750 translates to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates from comparable programs could theoretically pay off their loans in under six months of gross earnings. For a selective school (47% admission rate, 1243 SAT average), these figures suggest solid middle-ground performance in preparing students for the job market.

The challenge is perspective. While the estimated earnings exceed national medians, Tennessee's math programs show dramatic variation—from Vanderbilt's six-figure outcomes to UT-Knoxville's $39,000. Union appears to land in the middle tier, which isn't necessarily problematic given the relatively modest debt load. However, parents should recognize that only four Tennessee programs provided reportable earnings data despite 34 schools offering this degree, making it difficult to know precisely where Union ranks among its true peers.

The investment pencils out on paper: reasonable debt against earnings that should allow financial stability. But the reliance on peer-program estimates means you're making decisions with limited visibility into Union's specific track record in mathematics placement. If your student is academically competitive (given Union's selectivity), understanding why this program's outcomes aren't reportable—and what comparable programs' graduates actually do after graduation—matters more than the median suggests.