Analysis
A University of Michigan mathematics degree commands earnings nearly double the national median for the field—$80,676 versus $48,772 in the first year. Among the 31 Michigan schools offering mathematics programs, this ranks in the 95th percentile, substantially outpacing even Michigan State's median of $47,951. That premium holds nationally too, placing graduates in the top 5% of math majors across 1,200+ programs. The debt load of $21,589 sits right at the national median, creating an exceptionally favorable 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates can theoretically pay off loans with just over three months of income.
The strong earnings trajectory—reaching $97,139 by year four—suggests graduates are moving into high-value roles in tech, finance, or quantitative fields where Michigan's brand carries weight. This isn't just about starting strong; it's about sustained earning power. For anxious parents, this represents about as solid an investment as you'll find in mathematics education: elite-school earnings without crushing debt, powered by Michigan's recruiting pipeline into competitive industries. The 18% admission rate means getting in is the real hurdle, not paying off the degree afterward.
Where University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $80,676 | $97,139 | +20% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Michigan State University | $47,951 | $54,324 | +13% |
| Grand Valley State University | $45,349 | $46,279 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $80,676 | $97,139 | $21,589 | 0.27 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $47,951 | $54,324 | $21,500 | 0.45 |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $45,349 | $46,279 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
| 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 115 graduates with reported earnings and 94 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.