Mathematics and Statistics at University at Albany

University at Albany's math and statistics graduates start below both state and national benchmarks, earning about $52,000 in their first year—roughly $3,500 less than the typical New York graduate in this field and $7,000 below the national median. At the 40th percentile statewide, this program falls well behind schools like Fordham and NYU, though it costs significantly less to attend. The debt load of $21,750 is exactly average for the field, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42.

The saving grace here is steady career progression: graduates see 18% earnings growth by year four, reaching over $61,000. That's a healthier trajectory than many programs show, suggesting that Albany math grads catch up somewhat over time even if they don't start at the top of the earnings ladder. For a school with a 70% admission rate serving many first-generation students (42% receive Pell grants), these outcomes represent solid accessibility paired with respectable long-term prospects.

Parents should view this as a practical choice rather than an elite one. You're paying average debt for below-average starting salaries, banking on steady career growth to close the gap. If your child can access more selective programs in the SUNY system or secure merit aid elsewhere, compare carefully. But for students seeking an affordable math degree without the pressure of highly selective admissions, Albany delivers reasonable value with room for upward mobility.