Mathematics at University at Buffalo

UB's mathematics program delivers solid outcomes at a reasonable price, particularly when measured against other New York options. With first-year earnings of $46,016 rising to $55,293 by year four, graduates outpace the state median by $10,000 and rank in the 60th percentile among New York math programs. The $18,750 debt load translates to a manageable 0.41 ratio against first-year earnings—you'd be hard-pressed to find a safer debt-to-income profile for a STEM degree.

The 20% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates are moving into positions with real advancement potential, even if initial salaries trail elite programs like Cornell or RPI by significant margins. That gap reflects the broader difference in career placement rather than program quality—UB serves a different student population at a flagship public institution price point. For families focused on return on investment rather than prestige, this is exactly the kind of profile that makes sense: lower debt than the national average for math degrees, consistent income growth, and outcomes that exceed the state median.

The calculus here is straightforward. Your child won't start at $80,000 like an RPI graduate, but they also won't carry the private school debt burden. By year four, they're earning a respectable salary with minimal financial pressure, which matters more than the starting number.