Mathematics at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB's mathematics program delivers solid financial outcomes, particularly on the debt side. Graduates carry just $25,350 in debt—less than the national average for math majors and below three-quarters of all bachelor's programs. Combined with first-year earnings around $46,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 is quite manageable. Within Alabama, this program outperforms most competitors: it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and beats the flagship University of Alabama by about $1,300 annually.

The challenge is flat earnings growth. Mathematics typically rewards graduates with steadily increasing compensation as they develop specialized skills, but UAB grads see essentially no movement between year one and year four. This stagnation is unusual for the field and suggests graduates may be landing in roles that don't capitalize on advanced quantitative abilities. That said, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means a few outliers could be skewing the numbers—these figures might not represent the typical experience.

For a mathematics degree in Alabama at this debt level, UAB offers reasonable value. The modest borrowing keeps financial risk low, and starting salaries are respectable if unspectacular. Just understand that rapid salary growth isn't part of this picture, so the path you choose after graduation matters significantly.