Statistics at United States Military Academy

West Point's distinctive service commitment makes evaluating this Statistics program unlike any typical college decision. The estimated figures—$59,718 in first-year earnings and $20,150 in debt based on national peer programs—miss the essential point: graduates here incur no tuition costs but commit to five years of military service at officer pay scales, which start around $45,000-$50,000 before benefits and allowances.

The comparison to civilian Statistics programs becomes almost meaningless given this unique structure. While Cornell and other New York schools report median earnings above $82,000, their graduates enter the private sector immediately and typically carry real debt. West Point graduates follow a completely different trajectory—steady military advancement, comprehensive benefits, and post-service opportunities that often leverage both their technical training and leadership experience. The estimated debt figure here likely reflects modest personal expenses rather than tuition loans.

For parents weighing this path, the financial calculus centers on whether the service commitment aligns with your child's goals, not whether the immediate earnings compete with civilian options. The Statistics degree from a highly selective program (14% admission rate) combined with officer credentials creates value that extends well beyond first-year salary figures, but only if military service itself is the right fit.