Analysis
First-year earnings of $129,732 place this program among the highest-earning statistics bachelor's degrees in the country—95th percentile nationally and well above Pennsylvania's strong median of $93,111. While the debt figure of $16,875 is estimated from similar programs at Penn rather than actual graduate data, the implied debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 suggests extraordinary economic positioning if these numbers hold. That would mean graduates could theoretically pay off their debt in less than two months of first-year earnings.
The more relevant question isn't whether this program delivers value—it clearly does for those who complete it—but whether your child can gain admission and succeed. With a 6% acceptance rate and average SAT of 1545, Penn is among the most selective universities in the country, and only 16% of students receive Pell grants. The statistics program appears to feed directly into high-paying quantitative roles that reward both the degree's rigor and Penn's elite placement network.
For families who can afford Penn's cost of attendance or secure generous financial aid, this program represents an exceptional investment. The estimated debt is modest compared to the earning power, and the outcomes dramatically outpace most statistics programs. Just recognize that the debt figure is extrapolated rather than program-specific, so verify actual aid packages carefully before committing.
Where University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $66,104 | $129,732 | — | $16,875* | — | |
| $63,829 | $93,111 | $142,883 | $21,375* | 0.23 | |
| $22,082 | $60,765 | — | $26,816* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Pennsylvania, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 11 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.