Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 puts this program in reasonable territory—students borrowing the estimated $25,000 would owe less than half of their first-year earnings. Similar applied mathematics programs nationally produce median earnings of about $61,000, suggesting this field generally delivers solid career prospects for bachelor's degree holders. The estimated debt here runs slightly above the national median of $21,393 for applied math programs, though not dramatically so.
As the only applied mathematics bachelor's program in North Dakota, University of Jamestown operates without direct in-state competition, making peer comparisons especially important. The wide-open admission rate (94%) indicates this isn't a selective program, which sometimes correlates with more variable outcomes. With only 26% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a predominantly middle- and upper-income population who may have family resources beyond what's captured in the debt figures.
The core question is whether the math works: borrowing $25,000 to earn $61,000 annually creates a manageable repayment scenario under standard terms. But remember these are national benchmarks, not verified outcomes from Jamestown graduates. For a small private college in rural North Dakota, actual placement patterns and employer connections matter enormously—factors these estimates can't capture. Ask the school directly about where recent graduates landed jobs and what support exists for career placement in applied mathematics roles.
Where University of Jamestown Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,820 | $60,930* | — | $25,421* | — | |
| $59,076 | $114,279* | $166,324 | —* | — | |
| $68,230 | $99,193* | $125,979 | $10,000* | 0.10 | |
| $60,952 | $97,700* | — | $25,841* | 0.26 | |
| $65,997 | $94,684* | — | —* | — | |
| $69,045 | $91,559* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 Jamestown, approximately 26% 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 national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.