Analysis
Mathematics graduates from service academies face a unique calculation that estimated figures alone can't capture. Based on comparable programs in Colorado, first-year earnings around $46,000 with roughly $22,000 in debt suggest a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio—but these numbers fundamentally misrepresent the Air Force Academy experience. Cadets graduate debt-free in exchange for a five-year military service commitment, meaning that estimated debt figure is completely irrelevant to your family's decision.
The real financial picture is far more favorable than these peer-program estimates suggest. Your child would receive free tuition, room, and board—worth over $400,000—plus a monthly stipend during their four years. After graduation, they'd earn a military officer's salary (currently starting around $65,000, well above the estimated civilian figure here) with housing allowances and benefits. The tradeoff is required service and the realities of military life, not financial burden.
For families considering the Academy, ignore these earnings and debt estimates entirely. The decision hinges on whether military service aligns with your child's goals and values, not whether the mathematics degree itself pencils out compared to civilian universities. If they're drawn to military service, this is an extraordinary opportunity. If they're not, no amount of financial advantage makes it the right choice.
Where United States Air Force Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy | — | $46,252* | — | $21,760* | — |
 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver | $10,017 | $52,695* | $67,691 | $27,000* | 0.51 |
 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver | $10,780 | $48,997* | $60,567 | $33,279* | 0.68 |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $47,835* | $58,736 | $21,020* | 0.44 |
 University of Northern ColoradoGreeley | $12,010 | $44,668* | $48,902 | $20,700* | 0.46 |
 University of Colorado BoulderBoulder | $16,430 | $41,176* | $68,103 | $20,960* | 0.51 |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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). 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.