Mathematics at University of North Carolina Wilmington

A mathematics degree from UNC Wilmington costs about $22,000 in debt—right at the national median—but the earnings picture based on similar North Carolina programs reveals a significant gap. While comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $41,000, the national median for math bachelor's degrees is nearly $49,000. By year four, this program's actual reported earnings of $53,000 close much of that gap, suggesting graduates either need time to land appropriate roles or start in positions below their credential level.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable on paper—graduates would dedicate about half their first-year salary to debt if they paid it off immediately. But context matters: Duke math graduates earn three times as much, while even NC State's program shows first-year earnings pulling ahead. The question becomes whether UNCW's more accessible environment (74% admission rate, lower cost) offsets starting $8,000 behind the national curve.

For families, this comes down to career trajectory. If your student plans graduate school or needs those first few years to build skills into a stronger position, the modest debt load provides breathing room. But if they need immediate earning power to justify the investment, programs with stronger industry connections might deliver better returns, even at higher upfront cost.