Mathematics at University of Arizona

University of Arizona math graduates start with solid earnings of $54,781—beating the national median by $6,000—and then see impressive 27% growth to nearly $70,000 within four years. While this ranks at the 60th percentile among Arizona's four math programs (just edging out ASU's $52,729), it places at the 75th percentile nationally, suggesting strong positioning beyond the state's borders. The growth trajectory is particularly noteworthy for a traditionally academic field where many graduates pursue research or teaching paths with slower initial compensation curves.

The debt picture adds to the appeal: $19,000 is manageable given first-year earnings, translating to a comfortable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. A graduate could realistically pay this off within two years while building their career. This is slightly below Arizona's median debt load and well below the national figure of $21,500. With an 86% admission rate, this represents an accessible path to above-average outcomes in a versatile field.

For parents evaluating math programs, this offers strong value—graduates launch into respectable starting salaries and see meaningful earnings progression early in their careers. The combination of moderate debt and solid earning potential makes this a relatively low-risk investment, particularly for students interested in data science, actuarial work, or tech roles where Arizona math degrees appear to command premium compensation.