Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,225
26th percentile
25th percentile in Nebraska
Median Debt
$19,261
10% below national median

Analysis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's math graduates start behind the curve but experience remarkable growth. First-year earnings of $43,225 trail both the state median ($51,110) and national average by 11-13%, placing this program in the bottom quartile among Nebraska math programs. However, by year four, earnings jump to nearly $64,000β€”a 48% increase that suggests graduates are securing stronger positions after gaining experience or completing additional credentials. The modest debt load of $19,261 means even that slow start remains manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45.

The pattern here raises questions about what's happening in those early years. Are UNL math graduates pursuing graduate school? Taking time to find their footing in the job market? The data doesn't tell us, but that delayed earnings trajectory matters for students who need immediate income after graduation. For context, University of Nebraska at Omaha's math graduates earn $59,000 from the start, eliminating that uncertain early period entirely.

This program works best for students who can afford patienceβ€”those with family support or additional funding who won't be immediately burdened by loan payments. The eventual earnings justify the degree, but families counting on quick financial independence should consider why their graduate might earn $15,000 less than peers at UNO during those critical first years.

Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Nebraska-Lincoln$43,225$63,798+48%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology$109,288$180,882+66%
Cornell University$87,251$127,962+47%
Vanderbilt University$103,812$125,955+21%
Dartmouth College$108,255$124,017+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$43,225$63,798$19,2610.45
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha$8,370$58,995β€”$26,0690.44
National Medianβ€”$48,772β€”$21,5000.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other

All mathematical scientists not listed separately.

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 Nebraska-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.