Mathematics at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire's math graduates start below the median for Wisconsin programs, earning $48,609 compared to the state median of $50,285. That's a meaningful gap when you consider that flagship UW-Madison graduates earn nearly 40% more ($67,744), and even other UW system schools like Whitewater match the state median. For a subject as universally valued as mathematics, this 40th percentile ranking within Wisconsin suggests the program isn't translating its curriculum into the strongest early career outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $24,937, it's slightly above the state median but still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. Graduates can realistically pay this off within a few years. The 21% earnings growth to $58,977 by year four shows solid progression, though it doesn't close the gap with stronger programs. That four-year mark still trails Madison's starting salary.

For Wisconsin families, this is a middle-of-the-pack option in a state with 30 math programs to choose from. If your child has the academic credentials (the 1190 average SAT suggests moderate selectivity), pushing for admission to Madison or Milwaukee would likely deliver better returns. Eau Claire works if location matters or other programs like Whitewater aren't viable, but the earnings data doesn't justify choosing it over higher-performing alternatives.