Applied Mathematics at University of Houston-Downtown

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests manageable student loans, though it's worth noting that both the $60,930 first-year salary and $21,000 debt figure come from national peer programs, not this school's specific outcomes. Applied mathematics programs vary considerably—Texas A&M's graduates start around $58,000 while Texas State's begin near $50,000—so there's meaningful uncertainty about where UH-Downtown falls in that range. The national estimate used here would place this program above the state median of $53,804, but without reported data, it's impossible to know if that optimistic benchmark reflects this school's reality.

The program serves a predominantly working-class student body (52% receive Pell grants), which could mean graduates prioritize immediate employment over higher-paying opportunities that require relocation or additional credentials. Applied mathematics degrees typically open doors to data analysis, actuarial work, and technical roles across industries, fields where Houston's energy and healthcare sectors provide substantial demand. If the estimated earnings prove accurate, graduates would earn roughly three times their debt load in their first year—a solid foundation for repayment.

The bottom line: comparable programs suggest reasonable outcomes, but you're making this decision with limited visibility into how UH-Downtown's specific graduates fare. If your child is committed to staying in Houston and values affordability, the estimated numbers look workable. Just recognize you're relying on national patterns rather than this institution's track record, which matters more than usual given the wide variation among Texas programs.