Analysis
A $20,000 debt load for a mathematics degree is relatively modest, but the estimated first-year earnings of $45,494 from comparable Alabama programs suggest this investment faces headwinds. Similar mathematics programs in Alabama cluster around this earning level, which trails the national median of $48,772 by roughly $3,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates would owe about five months' salary—manageable but not exceptional. What's harder to gauge is UAH's specific positioning: the school attracts solid students (1321 average SAT) and sits in a technology corridor, yet we're working from state averages rather than UAH's actual graduate outcomes.
The range among Alabama programs is telling. Athens State mathematics graduates earn $57,584 in their first year—nearly $12,000 more than the state median UAH's estimate is based on. Even University of Alabama at Birmingham edges ahead at $46,130. This suggests location, curriculum focus, and employer connections drive significant variation in mathematics outcomes across the state. UAH's aerospace and defense industry ties in Huntsville could theoretically position it closer to Athens State than to Troy's $31,339, but without program-specific data, that's speculation.
For parents weighing this decision: the estimated debt burden won't be crushing, but the earning potential appears middle-of-the-pack at best based on peer programs. Contact UAH's math department directly to learn where recent graduates actually landed and what they're earning—that real-world placement data matters more than these state-wide estimates.
Where University of Alabama in Huntsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,770 | $45,494* | — | $20,000* | — | |
| — | $57,584* | $49,573 | —* | — | |
| $8,832 | $46,130* | $46,880 | $25,350* | 0.55 | |
| $11,900 | $44,857* | $60,584 | $20,000* | 0.45 | |
| $9,792 | $31,339* | — | $17,500* | 0.56 | |
| 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). At University of Alabama in Huntsville, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. 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 4 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.