Analysis
Minnesota-Duluth's statistics program lands in the middle of the pack, with starting salaries of $56,435 trailing both the national median ($59,718) and Minnesota's median ($61,434) for statistics graduates. Among the state's nine statistics programs, this ranks exactly at the 40th percentile—meaning six of ten Minnesota schools produce higher-earning graduates. The flagship Twin Cities campus, for instance, sees statistics grads earning $10,000 more right out of the gate.
The debt picture offers some relief: at $22,797, borrowing is manageable and roughly in line with state norms. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio sits well below the concerning threshold, meaning graduates should be able to handle their loans without undue strain. The 25% earnings bump from year one to year four also shows solid progression, bringing mid-career salaries to $70,447.
For an 82% acceptance rate institution, these outcomes feel about right—adequate but not exceptional. If your student is choosing between Minnesota schools for statistics, understand they're likely paying similar tuition but getting meaningfully different earning potential. The UMN-Duluth degree works financially, but it's not going to outperform expectations. Consider whether the slightly lower starting salary is worth other factors like location, campus environment, or specific faculty expertise that might matter for your student's goals.
Where University of Minnesota-Duluth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Minnesota-Duluth 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 Minnesota-Duluth | $56,435 | $70,447 | +25% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $93,111 | $142,883 | +53% |
| Duke University | $97,197 | $113,854 | +17% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $83,227 | $102,151 | +23% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $66,434 | $70,804 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,318 | $56,435 | $70,447 | $22,797 | 0.40 | |
| $16,488 | $66,434 | $70,804 | $21,750 | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $59,718 | — | $20,150 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Minnesota-Duluth, 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.