Analysis
Mathematics programs nationwide produce median first-year earnings around $48,800, which is where similar programs suggest this bachelor's degree would land graduates. That puts a math major in decent, if not spectacular, financial position—earning enough to manage the estimated $21,500 in debt without strain. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates would be devoting less than half their first year's income to their total debt burden, well within comfortable territory by most financial planning standards.
The challenge here is uncertainty. North Dakota has eight schools offering math bachelor's degrees, but suppressed data across the board means we're working entirely from national comparisons rather than state-specific outcomes. Mathematics degrees can lead to wildly different career paths—from teaching positions that start in the $40,000s to data science roles pushing past $60,000—and local market conditions matter enormously. What works for math grads in Boston or Austin may not reflect opportunities in Grand Forks or Fargo.
For a student genuinely interested in mathematics and planning to stay flexible about where they work, the estimated financial picture suggests reasonable value. But if your child is set on remaining in North Dakota after graduation, you're making this decision with very limited visibility into how local employers value this credential versus alternatives at other regional institutions.
Where University of North Dakota Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Mathematics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,951 | $48,772* | — | $21,498* | — | |
| $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 | |
| $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750* | 0.16 | |
| $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003* | 0.09 | |
| $65,739 | $108,255* | $124,017 | $11,617* | 0.11 | |
| $63,946 | $103,812* | $125,955 | $10,000* | 0.10 | |
| 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 North Dakota, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.