Mathematics at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

A mathematics degree from UNM sits at an interesting crossroads: it trails the national median by about $4,000 annually, landing in just the 32nd percentile nationally, yet it's actually the median performer among New Mexico's seven institutions offering math degrees. For families committed to staying in-state, this program represents middle-of-the-pack value rather than a clear standout or disappointment.

The financial fundamentals are reasonable. With typical debt around $21,000 and first-year earnings of $44,639, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48—meaning less than half a year's salary to pay off loans. That's solidly workable, though the earnings themselves are modest for a STEM field. The bigger question is whether New Mexico's job market for math graduates offers comparable opportunities to other states, since these earnings lag behind what math majors typically command nationally.

One major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians. However, if your child is attending UNM for in-state tuition and plans to stay in the region, this program delivers accessible entry into quantitative fields without crushing debt. Families should just recognize they're trading potential higher earnings elsewhere for proximity and affordability—a calculation that makes sense for many New Mexico students.