Analysis
Pennsylvania's applied mathematics programs cluster tightly around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and Scranton appears to land right in that middle ground based on comparable programs across the state. The estimated $25,421 in debt produces a ratio of 0.44—well within manageable territory for a STEM degree. For context, the national median debt for this major sits at $21,393, suggesting Scranton's financing might run slightly higher than typical, though not dramatically so.
The real question is whether those earnings hold up over time. Applied mathematics graduates usually command strong salaries because they're equipped for data science, financial analysis, and tech roles where demand consistently outpaces supply. The national median of $60,930 offers some reassurance that Pennsylvania's numbers aren't outliers. What's less certain is where Scranton specifically fits within that state cluster—the estimate draws from just four PA programs, and we can't know if Scranton's outcomes tilt toward the higher or lower end.
Here's the practical takeaway: the debt load won't be crushing, and the field itself offers solid earning potential. But you're making this decision with limited visibility into Scranton's specific track record. Ask the department directly about graduate placement—where recent alumni landed jobs and at what salaries. Their answers will tell you more than these estimates can.
Where University of Scranton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,309 | $58,358* | — | $25,421* | — | |
| $34,940 | $62,328* | $75,554 | $25,000* | 0.40 | |
| $14,620 | $58,358* | $78,897 | $22,571* | 0.39 | |
| $14,630 | $58,358* | $78,897 | $22,571* | 0.39 | |
| $21,524 | $58,358* | $78,897 | $22,571* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 Scranton, 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.
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 median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.