Mathematics at Ursinus College

A mathematics degree from Ursinus produces first-year earnings of $47,918—below both the state and national medians for this major and trailing Pennsylvania's top programs by significant margins. Villanova and Swarthmore graduates earn 50% more right out of college, while even Temple, a large public university, delivers outcomes 24% higher. With an estimated debt load of $26,000 (based on comparable Pennsylvania programs at similar institutions), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, which is manageable but not impressive given the modest starting salary.

The bigger concern is positioning. Ursinus admits 87% of applicants with an average SAT of 1304, yet its mathematics program underperforms the state median despite this being a technical field where stronger student profiles typically translate to better outcomes. Only 20% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this is largely a full-pay population, which makes the middling returns more troubling for families stretching financially.

For parents, the question is whether Ursinus's liberal arts environment justifies paying premium tuition for below-average mathematics outcomes. The debt estimate suggests borrowing is relatively restrained, but if your family is considering loans beyond $26,000 or if your child could access stronger programs elsewhere, those alternatives deserve serious attention. This program won't close doors, but it's not opening them particularly wide either.