Analysis
UW-Madison's mathematics program produces graduates who earn nearly $68,000 in their first year—38% above the national median for math majors and significantly ahead of every other Wisconsin institution offering this degree. This isn't just a marginal advantage: graduates here out-earn their counterparts at UW-Milwaukee, the state's second-best program, by more than $11,000 annually. That premium appears sustainable, with earnings climbing to $83,357 by year four, placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally.
The debt picture strengthens the value proposition. At $20,500, graduates carry roughly $3,000 less debt than the state median while earning substantially more, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30—meaning the entire debt load equals less than five months of first-year salary. While the 58th percentile for debt nationally isn't remarkable in isolation, it's competitive given the earnings premium.
For families weighing Wisconsin's flagship against other in-state options, the math is straightforward. This program delivers both the highest starting salaries and among the lowest debt loads for mathematics degrees in Wisconsin, translating to a significantly faster path to financial stability than peer institutions can offer.
Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $67,744 | $83,357 | +23% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $56,284 | $71,400 | +27% |
| Marquette University | $47,141 | $66,922 | +42% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $49,651 | $65,134 | +31% |
| Carthage College | $52,593 | $60,583 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $67,744 | $83,357 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $56,284 | $71,400 | $27,000 | 0.48 |
 Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere | $44,432 | $52,644 | — | $27,000 | 0.51 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $52,593 | $60,583 | $27,000 | 0.51 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $50,285 | $53,677 | $22,248 | 0.44 |
 University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse | $9,651 | $49,651 | $65,134 | $23,000 | 0.46 |
| 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 Wisconsin-Madison, approximately 15% 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 92 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.