Analysis
A mathematics bachelor's at the University of Louisville carries a manageable $18,750 in debt—notably lower than the $21,500 national median and well below Kentucky's $22,500 average for math programs. That sub-0.4 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can handle their loans comfortably, though it's worth noting the earnings figures here are estimates based on national patterns rather than tracked outcomes from UofL's specific program.
The earnings picture shows some stagnation: estimated first-year earnings of $48,772 barely budge to $49,809 by year four. This flat trajectory is unusual for STEM fields and worth investigating—it could reflect local market conditions in Louisville or suggest that many graduates aren't moving into higher-paying technical roles. By comparison, University of Kentucky math graduates start at $39,211, meaning UofL's estimated figure would be competitive within the state if it proves accurate.
The real question is whether UofL's program launches graduates into the roles that justify a math degree—data science, actuarial work, software development—or whether they're settling into positions that don't fully utilize quantitative skills. With 81% of applicants admitted and modest SAT scores, your child would need to distinguish themselves through internships and technical skill development. The debt load won't hamstring them, but they'll need to be strategic about translating a math degree into career momentum that the flat earnings curve suggests isn't automatic.
Where University of Louisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | — | $49,809 | — |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| University of Kentucky | $39,211 | $55,698 | +42% |
| Morehead State University | $24,257 | $39,949 | +65% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,828 | $48,772* | $49,809 | $18,750 | — | |
| $13,212 | $39,211* | $55,698 | $22,500 | 0.57 | |
| $9,838 | $24,257* | $39,949 | $24,218 | 1.00 | |
| 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 Louisville, approximately 29% 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 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.